Peer Supporter

The Choices Mobile Crisis Response Team is responsible for 24/7 mobile emergency responses (8 a.m. to 8 p.m. face to face 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. telephonic) for individuals experiencing an emotional behavioral and/or mental health crisis in Preble and Montgomery Ohio Counties. The peer supporter is a full-time position (40 hours/week) operating during scheduled shifts. The peer supporter functions as a role model who may be certified in one of three different categories including a peer recovery supporter a youth peer supporter or a family peer supporter. The peer recovery supporter is an individual with direct lived experience who has self-identified as being in recovery from a mental health or substance use disorder. The youth peer supporter is an individual who self-identifies as having lived experience with the behavioral health care system and other child or youth serving systems. The family youth supporter is an individual who has self-identified as the caregiver of a person with behavioral health challenges who has successfully navigated service systems for at least one year on behalf of the person.

The peer supporter exhibits competency in navigating systems as well as use of coping skills; serves as a consumer advocate provides consumer information and peer support for consumers in outpatient and inpatient settings. The peer supporter operates from a strengths-based perspective collaborating with Choices Crisis Team clinical leadership and fellow responders. The peer supporter performs a wide range of tasks to assist individuals in regaining optimal functioning within the community and mastery over their own recovery process.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Can articulate the mission vision and services provided by Choices and the Mobile Response Team and partners.
• Communicates the practice expectations of the Mobile Response Team to consumers community partners and funders.
• Can participate in shifts based on a fire house model.
• Responds to crisis referrals in person within 60 minutes.
• Work with individuals for 42 days post crisis to provide stabilizing connections to the community and peer support.
• Adheres to the policies and protocols established by Choices for the Mobile Response Program.
• Incorporates the guiding principles and values of Systems of Care into their interactions with Individuals experiencing a crisis fellow team members Choices staff and system partners.
• Communicates effectively with the Mobile Response Team Manager to ensure collaborative efforts and proactive response to issues and concerns.
• Participates in at least one hour of supervision weekly with direct supervisor.
• Follows established strategic plans and quality improvement procedures to achieve stated goals and enhance the experience of referred individuals.
• Ensures collection of all necessary service data.
• Completes required documentation on a timely basis. Participates in scheduled meetings to review performance and quality indicators and makes recommended adjustments to improve the response and stabilization service.

• Willingly completes other duties as assigned to advance the mission of the Choices and the Mobile Response Team.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED. Some college preferred
• If peer recovery supporter 2 years participation in recovery and abstinence from drugs or alcohol. Also must be at least 18 years of age.
• If youth peer supporter must be at least 18 but less than 30 years of age.
• If family peer supporter must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must be willing/able to become certified with the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services within 30 days of employment.
• Geographically located to assure a 60-minute response to an immediate need.
• Prior experience with mental health crisis response preferred.
• Strong communication and writing skills. Bi-lingual skills (Spanish) a plus.
• Familiarity with Systems of Care values and principles.
• Highly organized and effectively manages multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Professionally articulate in communicating (oral and written) service expectations strengths and needs of clients and outcomes.
• Demonstrated professionalism working in teams with internal colleagues and external audiences in both person and through various electronic media.
• Enthusiastic about advancing system change within the community.
• Valid drivers license.
• Operational smart phone.
• Ability to work shifts that include evenings holidays and weekends.
• Attests to having read and understood the code of ethics at initial certification and every certification renewal thereafter.

Hourly rate: $19.23/hour ($40000 annually)

Benefits Include:

• Medical Dental Vision
• Employer Paid Life Insurance Short & Long Term Disability
• 401k Match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Parental Leave
• Generous PTO plan
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program