Peer Support Specialist

LOCATION:  Remote – must live in or near Alamance, Caswell, Person, Granville, Vance or Franklin County, North Carolina.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

Under the supervision of the Peer Support Specialist Manager, the Peer Support Specialist function is in-reach, engagement, education and support effort designed to accurately and fully inform adults who have serious mental illness (SMI) or a serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI) about community based mental health services and supported housing options including but not limited to the availability of tenancy support services and rental assistance.

Peer Support Specialist in-reach is ongoing with the goal of educating members/recipients about all community-based options, including the option to transition to supported housing, its benefits, the array of services and supports available to those in supported housing to include rental subsidy and other assistance members/recipients may need. In-reach also includes informing members/recipients about Medicaid, Special Assistance, services under the North Carolina State Plan for Medical Assistance or the State funded service array for which the members/recipients are eligible.

Peer Support Specialist in-reach also includes offering the members/recipients opportunities to meet with other members/recipients with disabilities who are living, working, and receiving services in inclusive settings.

Note: This position requires access to and use of confidential healthcare information or protected health information (PHI) as described in laws addressing patient confidentiality, including, but not limited to, the federal HIPAA law, the Confidentiality of Alcohol and Substance Use Patient Records law, 42 CFR Part 2, and various state laws. As such, the individual filling this position shall be required to be trained regarding such laws and shall be required to observe those laws in his/her capacity as an employee of Vaya Health. The individual filling this position shall also sign a confidentiality statement as an employee of Vaya Health.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Benchmarks:

Peer Support Specialist In-Reach

• Must make minimum in-reach visits per day to meet weekly visit requirements.
• Must meet minimum requirements per In Reach, Transition, Diversion policy for potential transition participants per month.
• Must make minimum requirements for completion of the Informed Decision-Making Tool per month
• Ensure adherence to boundaries within In Reach, Transition, Diversion policy and do not provide services or supports outside of the scope of work.

Monitoring

• Must maintain caseload (In-Reach List) by ensuring every person has a Peer Support Specialist visit prior to reaching 90 days. Frequency of ivisits can vary within 90 days based on readiness for transition.
• Will communicate with manager any upcoming events (if known) that may impact minimum requirements and will propose an alternative plan to ensure that requirements are met.

Peer Support Specialist In-Reach activities:

The LME-MCO shall provide In-Reach services to applicable members/recipients no less than quarterly. Peer Support Specialist may need to occur more frequently based on the housing situation of the member/recipient. It is required that Peer Support Specialist activities be delivered by LME-MCO staff that are knowledgeable about community services and supports, including supported housing.

The LME-MCO Peer Support staff is expected to coordinate a face-to-face meeting with members/recipients and guardians as applicable to determine a member/recipient’s interest in integrated supported housing with tenancy rights and behavioral health services. Peer Support Specialist staff should make every effort to schedule visits during a time that is convenient for both the member/recipient and facility.

Activities include but are not limited to:

• Assessing member/recipient’s interest in supported housing
• Explaining fully the benefits and financial aspects of clinically appropriate community based inclusive settings, including supported housing
• Facilitating and accompanying member/recipient on site visits to permanent housing with tenancy rights
• Exploring and addressing the concerns of any member/recipient who declines the opportunity to move into supported housing or who are ambivalent about moving into supported housing, despite being qualified for such housing
• Reviewing housing preferences
• Provide linkage to ongoing in-reach as a step-in education/exposure to the housing options and supports available
• Educating member/recipient about services covered under the North Carolina State Plan for Medical Assistance, Medicaid 1915(b)(c) waiver, or the State funded service array

Documentation and Reporting:

All Peer Support Specialist activities should be documented and outcomes of in-reach efforts tracked to include refusals to meet with LME-MCO as well as lack of response to LME-MCO written communication about in-reach by the member/recipient or guardian. All documentation related to Peer Support Specialist in-reach should be made available to the State upon request.

Peer Support Specialist staff will participate in all necessary activities at the NC state level. The activities will include training, information sessions, and committees related to Transitions to Community Living Initiative.

Coordination planning:

Peer Support Specialist staff will work in close coordination with other Vaya staff, including but not limited to Transition Coordinators, care management, and other Vaya departments to ensure smooth transitions occur and challenges and barriers to transition are addressed timely.

Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL & ABILITIES

General knowledge of the methods and principles of recovery and person-centered thinking is needed. Having good customer service skills are essential. The ability to establish appropriate and respectful relationships/partnerships with persons with a wide range of disabilities and their families. Includes the ability to interact professionally and effectively with persons who are upset and who disagree. Building trust, establishing rapport and using good communication skills are key for this position. Knowledge of the laws, regulations, and policies which govern human services is helpful. Knowledge about Medicaid and Special Assistance benefits, available clinical services, community supports, and supported housing is necessary. Is able to express ideas clearly and concisely orally and in writing. The ability to work effectively as a team member and under the direction of the Peer Support Specialist Manager. Additional training is required, which can be obtained after hire, in the following skills set: Assertive Engagement, Motivational Interviewing, Active Listening Skills, RENEW Transition Model, and other relevant methods of engagement.

QUALIFICATIONS & EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

High school diploma or GED is required for this position and 1-2 years of experience working with the MH/SU population.

Licensure/Certification Required:

NC Certified Peer Support Specialist

MENTAL/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Close visual acuity to perform activities such as preparation and analysis of documents; viewing a computer terminal; and extensive reading.
• Physical activity in this position includes crouching, reaching, walking, talking, hearing and repetitive motion of hands, wrists and fingers.
• Sedentary work with lifting requirements up to 10 pounds, sitting for extended periods of time.
• Mental concentration is required in all aspects of work.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: This position is required to reside in North Carolina or within 40 miles of the North Carolina border.

SALARY:  Depending on qualifications & experience of candidate. This position is non-exempt and is eligible for overtime compensation. 

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: Open Until Filled

APPLY: Vaya Health accepts online applications in our Career Center, please visit https://www.vayahealth.com/about/careers/.

Vaya Health is an equal opportunity employer.