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Job Description - Certified Peer Specialist - Worcester and North Grafton (24000AAC) Description
The Department of Mental Health (DMH) is seeking a dynamic Certified Peer Specialist (Mental Health Coordinator I) who will provide peer support to adults receiving services through the Worcester and South County/Grafton Site. Trauma informed, qualified candidates will partner with adults who experience mental health and/or substance use challenges to move toward their life goals.
The selected candidate uses personal experiences of recovery in a professional capacity to promote hope for a life outside of the framework of mental health services and to support learning about the process of recovery. The Peer Specialist fosters a person-centered approach when providing services and supports the development and implementation of a person-centered treatment plan. In this role, the selected candidate will champion, and support recovery and resiliency guided by established and emerging principles in the field, such as those found in Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrations (SAMHSA) ten (10) fundamental components of recovery and the Massachusetts Certified Peer Specialist Code of Ethics.
Please Note: This position is full-time, 40 hours per week. The incumbent will work Monday - Friday 8:30 – 5:00. The days off will be Saturday and Sunday.
Duties and Responsibilities (These duties and responsibilities are not all inclusive): Provides advocacy, support, education, information and training in recovery tools and techniques to persons served by Department of Mental Health. Develops and facilitates recovery and rehabilitation groups including, but not limited to, peer support, peer education, advocacy, Wellness Recovery Action Program (WRAP), social and independent living skills and vocational training. Collaborates with individuals to develop goals considering needs, strengths, interests and barriers. Supports the development of self-advocacy skills and other strategies that promote recovery to persons served to support their recovery process through teaching and modeling these skills. Provides services and opportunities that promote continuity of care, community integration and an environment that facilitates recovery. Promotes teamwork by demonstrating flexibility, the ability to listen to the views of others, to compromise, to handle conflict and stay focused on a positive outcome. Champions the maintaining of a safe environment for patients and staff at all times. Complies with all applicable state and federal laws including the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act (HIPAA) which governs the privacy and confidentiality of information about patients. Conducts self in a professional manner at all times and works cooperatively with staff from all disciplines. Required Qualifications: Knowledge of the principles and practice of rehabilitation as it relates to people with a psychiatric diagnosis and people with dual diagnoses. Demonstrated skills with populations who have a psychiatric diagnosis. Ability to design and evaluate assigned program curriculum. Capacity to order and maintain sufficient supplies for assigned program in a timely manner. Talent for supporting people in exploring and establishing life goals. Skilled in interacting with people of any age or with any diagnosis as well as staff in a professional and effective manner. Proven ability to lead exercises in group leadership and provide training. Knowledge of safety practices and procedures followed in general for rehab activities. Per the minimum entrance requirements below, applicants must have certification as a Peer Specialist by a recognized Certified Specialist Program. Preferred Qualifications: Demonstrated understanding of recovery concepts and practices that facilitate the recovery of persons with a psychiatric diagnosis. Experience with peer support groups, workshops, or trainings. Given the population we serve, bilingual or multilingual fluency. Working Conditions: This position travels to meet with clients and family members outside the office in various settings such as homes, hospitals, programs, and other accessible community settings. Candidates will need a valid driver's license and access to a reliable motor vehicle for transportation.
DMH Mission Statement: The Department of Mental Health assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities. The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery. The Department sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights and supports mental health training and research.
A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori.
Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines. Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on
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