Peer Support Specialist

Job Responsibilities

With our Agency's mission to support the recovery of people with mental illnesses, we provide a complete array of medical and support services for children, adults, and families throughout South Carolina.

This position is located at the Department of Mental Health, Coastal Empire Community Mental Health Center, 1050 Ribaut Rd., Beaufort, SC 29902.

Candidate must be a current or former consumer of mental health services, with a minimum of one year engagement and progress in professional mental health treatment and the ability to demonstrate recovery expertise.

1.Center Peer Support Services:

Serve as an active member of the patient's treatment team. Advocate for services requested by the patient.

PSS will cultivate the patient's ability to make informed, independent choices, to set goals, and assist the patient in gaining information and support from the community. Plan activities with the patient that lead to improved self-concepts through empowerment and self determination opportunities. Teach and model the importance of medication adherence, effective communication with doctors and other caregivers.

Use personal recovery stories to offer hope of recovery from mental illness and teaching coping strategies. Will assist the patient in participating in the development of their Individual Plan of Care, Psychiatric Advance Directive, and/or crisis plan to facilitate or avoid/shorten hospitalizations.

2.First Episode Psychosis/NAVIGATE Services:

Provides peer support services with the First Episode Psychosis/ NAVIGATE comprehensive treatment program which includes leading individual and/or group activities from the Individual Resiliency Training model/supplemental peer support models. Participates in weekly treatment team meetings for the FEP/NAVIGATE Program.

Provides updates weekly on patient's status associated with the FEP/Navigate Program to treatment team and director. Assists with scheduling and coordinating other services related to the FEP/NAVIGATE program.

3.Corporate Compliance:

Employee will complete all documentation for services and contacts in compliance with SCDMH Policies and Procedures. PSS will work with supervisor in the creation of an annual report for Center and FEP programs to be submitted to SCDMH for DHHS within 60 days of the end of the fiscal year. "Shall comply with the SCDMH Compliance Plan and all legal responsibilities and requirements in performing their job duties"

4.Quality Assurance:

Documents all services provided with adherence to SCDMH QA standards. Keeps track of and manages all personal records related to credentialing and re-credentialing of peer support services.

Participates in Continuing education for re-credentialing and will participate in any trainings available related to best practices. Completes quarterly Peer Support Evaluations with patients.

5.Performs other related duties as deemed necessary by supervisor.

May be required to attain Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) or National Certified Peer Specialist (NCPS) Certification upon hire.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

If any agency requirements are listed below, applicants must also meet those requirements to be considered for the position.

STATE: Experience in social service program.

AGENCY: High School Diploma or GED (but Coastal Empire's preference is for a bachelor's degree in a social science) and be a current or former consumer of mental health services, plus have one year participation in local or national consumer movement and the ability to demonstrate recovery expertise.

Preferred Qualifications

To have experience and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Additional Comments

The South Carolina Department of Mental Health is an Equal Employment Opportunity Agency. We provide affirmative action and equal opportunity in employment for all qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex - including the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, national origin, age, religion, or disability.

South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.

Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment.

Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. Please account for any and all gaps of employment in your application. A resume will not be accepted in lieu of application completion nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.

The South Carolina Department of Mental Health offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children

• 15 days annual (vacation) leave accrual per year

• 15 days sick leave per year

• 13 paid holidays

• Paid Parental Leave

• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs