Journey Mental Health Center Hiring For Crisis Peer Specialist (220536) at Madison, WI  Full Time

Journey Mental Health Center (JMHC) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is the agency’s belief that staff diversity and cultural humility are the foundation for services, which are accessible, effective, and relevant to the diverse needs of our consumers. 
 
It is important that we choose employees that reflect our mission, vision and values, thus our selection process is thorough and sometimes longer than other employers.
 
Thank you in advance for providing us with complete and accurate application materials and for your patience when waiting to hear from us. 
 
Though you may have excellent experience, strong work ethic and passion for recovery, due to our funding contractual agreements, candidates we hire must meet the Essential Qualifications specified in the job postings in order to be offered an interview. Please review the qualifications carefully. We wouldn’t want you to put effort into your application materials if you don’t meet the essential qualifications.
 
You can read about the many benefits of working at JMHC on our careers page.

FOLLOWING IS ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The Peer Specialist reports to the Clinical Team Manager with overall program supervision by the Director. Minimum annual service hours are 676.
QUALIFICATIONS
ESSENTIAL

• Current certification as a Wisconsin Certified Peer Specialist.
• Person with self-identified lived experience of mental health and/or substance use challenges.
• Strong commitment to principles of recovery and trauma informed care.
• Commitment to work toward improving cultural sensitivity and inclusion as demonstrated by valuing diversity, recognizing personal limitations and having the desire to improve.
• Self-starter who enjoys working independently.
• Ability to view consumer needs and choices as high priority.
• Ability to balance multiple job duties and remain organized.
• Experience that demonstrates strong desire to help others.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws governing the handling of confidential information.
• Ability to communicate effectively (both orally and in writing).
• Possession of a valid driver’s license, a favorable driving record, adequate insurance (per WI law) and access to a vehicle with willingness to use it for work (i.e. transporting consumers).

PREFERRED

1. Lived experience with substance abuse and/or using medication assisted treatment.
2. Experience completing professional documentation.
3. Computer skills (internet, email, Word).
4. Knowledge or experience accessing resources, such as housing, recreational activities, medical, etc.
5. Bi-lingual, and/or bi-cultural (Spanish/Hmong/Cambodian).

Work Conditions

1. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination, or submission of ongoing PCR test results required.
2. Shared office in a clinical setting that promotes communication with colleagues. Staff provide part of services in the community, not limited to homes, treatment centers, and participants’ place of employment. Staff are expected to travel throughout Dane County and transport participants when appropriate. The regular work week is Monday through Friday with scheduling flexibility to meet staff and program needs. Staff create their own schedule with consumers. Each day will look different based on specific job responsibilities and participant’s needs. Accommodations are available upon request.
3. Population Served: JMHC consumers have a wide array of different backgrounds and experiences. Staff is expected to be comfortable working with Individuals with the following.
   1. Mental Health & Addiction Diagnosis
   2. Current Substance Use
   3. Criminal Backgrounds
   4. Multi-cultural Identities
   5. LGBTQIA+ Identities
   6. Varied Levels of Engagement in Services  

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Work with consumers to engage in mental health/substance use treatment, including building skills around their own mental health/substance use recovery and management of symptoms.
2. Work with consumers to learn healthy coping skills & self-care.
3. Work with consumers to locate community resources such as food pantries, volunteer activities, social outlets.
4. Meet with peer consumers in their own homes, the community, at designated offices and by phone as needed to ensure continued consumer satisfaction and progress towards goals.
5. Assist peer consumer in carrying out treatment/goal plan.
6. Attend weekly supervision and consultation meetings.
7. Maintain appropriate positive, professional interpersonal relationships with staff, peers, consumers, volunteers, and other stakeholders.
8. Attend and participate in trainings as interested and required with supervisor approval.
9. Maintain professional boundaries and abide by all applicable ethical and legal standards, including confidentiality and treatment rights.
10. Support peer consumers in crisis; ensure their safety, assess for risk factors, and consult with other members of the treatment team.

The above statements are not to be interpreted as an exhaustive list but are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by this employee.