GULF COAST CENTER
Gulf Coast Region Assisted Outpatient Treatment (GCR AOT)
Title of Position: Peer Support Specialist
Description of Duties and Responsibilities: The Peer Support Specialist will act as a role model who provides peer support services to individuals within the AOT program serving as consumer advocates, providing education and peer support in various settings. The Peer Support Specialist will facilitate weekly peer support groups to promote recovery support systems within the community and as part of the treatment program. They will engage with community partners and referral sources, assist clients in articulating personal recovery goals, and help them create a Wellness Plan identifying eight dimensions of wellness. They will also provide support in the outpatient setting, identifying needs and meeting with clients as scheduled. The Peer Support Specialist will be responsible for adherence to agency compliance policy and communication with various departments to foster community partnerships.
Qualifications for position (minimum):
Supervisory Relationships: Receives direct supervision from Project Director-AOT.
Skills & Knowledge Required: The candidate must have experience in coaching skills, identify and provide resources and referrals, work knowledge of client/community resources, and be knowledgeable about diverse populations and cultural backgrounds. The candidate must have experience navigating services or resources for individuals in services.
Travel & Special Conditions: May be required to travel between Gulf Coast Center Mental Health Clinics and meetings.
Abilities/Traits:
General knowledge of mental health disorders and navigating Electronic Health Records.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with knowledge to teach and engage in basic problem-solving strategies to support self-directed recovery.
Knowledgeable in trauma informed care and community resources.
Ability to express self clearly and effectively, orally and in writing.
Requires ability to work within a team approach.
Requires proficiency with computer skills, programs, and email.
Working Conditions:
Work will be performed in the Office, Field and/or Remote setting(s).
May require varied work hours depending on need of individuals.
Out of region travel may be required to attend trainings.
May require travel to various locations within Brazoria and Galveston Counties.
Requires current Texas Driver's License, reliable transportation safe and current with all state requirements, and liability insurance.
Special Projects:
Assist supervisor when requested to complete special projects and complete all assignments within a time frame negotiated with the supervisor. Completion of other duties as assigned by supervisor as it relates to the program and position.
Job Related Physical/Mental Requirements & Environmental Conditions:
Physical:
Ability to transport, adjust and/or move items up to 55 lbs.
Ability to ascend/descend stairs.
Ability to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time.
Ability to handle objects.
Ability to operate office equipment.
Ability to move around within an office setting and/or other locations as needed; may include ability to bend/twist, kneel/stoop and/or reach for items.
Ability to push/pull, crawl/squat as it relates to PMAB requirements; may be required to perform PMAB restraints as it relates to program requirements. Ability to detect and write effectively.
Ability to hear (with or without aid).
Ability to have visual acuity to operate a motor vehicle and observe objects within work setting.
Mental:
Ability to accept constructive criticism.
Ability to maintain regular attendance.
Ability to understand, communicate and comprehend accurate information with others in English.
Ability to reason and analyze effectively.
Ability to solve practical problems as it relates to position.
Required to pass and maintain all Center mandated trainings.
Work Site/Environmental Conditions:
Ability to work alone.
Ability to work closely with others.
Ability to work closely with individuals and/or family members with poor hygiene. Ability to work long and/or irregular hours.
May be subjected to hostile environment.
May be subjected to high crime environment.
Potential exposure to tobacco products.
May be subjected to both inside and outside environmental conditions.
Subject to standard noise levels within working environment.
Travel by motor vehicle, van, bus, or plane may be required.
Qualified individuals must be able to perform these functions with or without reasonable accommodations as based on ADA requirements.