Primary Job Function and Responsibilities:
Promoting self-determination, recovery, self-advocacy, and self-direction; assisting individuals in identifying strengths; wellness goals; setting objectives, and identifying barriers;Attending treatment team meetings with the individual to promote the individual's use of self-directed advocacy tools; assisting the individual in goal planning and participating with the individual and the treatment team to develop appropriate interventions; assisting the individual in learning how to ask for appropriate services in community;Assisting individuals in obtaining information about their benefits (SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, etc.).Engaging individuals in other programs and services to encourage treatment compliance and healthy lifestyles;Modeling self-advocacy skills;Teaching wellness management strategies and helping individuals develop their own self-management plans/tools to use in their personal lives; Connecting to support groups in the community to learn from other peers, to promote hope, to problem-solve through situations, and to decrease social isolation;Providing education to other clinicians to increase their understanding of self-advocacy and peer support roles, and to promote a culture in which an individuals’ points of view and preferences are recognized, understood, respected, and integrated into service delivery;Providing resources and teaching transportation skills (teaching bus routes, etc.);Sharing his or her own personal story to model how to maintain mental and physical stability;Supporting individuals in making informed decisions about treatment, housing, healthcare, employment and building community connections;Building social skills in the community;Assisting in overcoming barriers to maintaining stability in the community;Assisting in obtaining the proper documentation necessary for the program;Assisting the individual in completing applications, benefits paperwork, housing, etc.;Exploring aspirations with the individual;Assisting in teaching skills needed to achieve treatment goals;Attending recovery support groups and NA/AA meetings with the participant if appropriate; andAssisting with financial wellness using tools for money management and asset development.Providing outreach services as necessary to individuals when they appear to disengage from the AOT Program.
Supervision and Consultation:
Seeks supervision and consultation as neededAccepts and employs suggestions for improvement
Record Keeping:
Maintains confidential files containing required information for each supported employment clientMaintains documentation for those individuals receiving servicesProvides timely documentation that meets AltaPointe requirements.
Courteous and respectful towards consumers, visitors and co-workers:
Treats consumers with care, dignity, and compassionRespects consumer’s privacy and confidentialityIs pleasant and cooperative with othersAssists consumers and visitors as neededPersonal values don’t inhibit ability to relate and care for othersIs sensitive to the consumer’s needs, expectations and individual differencesIs gentle and calm with consumers and families
Administrative and Other Related Duties as Assigned:
Actively participates in Performance Improvement activities.Actively participates in AltaPointe committees as required.Completes assigned tasks in a timely manner.Follows AltaPointe policies and procedures.Attends to required in-service training and other workshops. QualificationsMust be a current or former recipient of mental health services for no less than one year with a significant mental health disorder as defined by the DSM-V.
High School diploma or equivalent and ability to obtain Peer Specialist Certification through State of Alabama Department of Mental Health. Must be 23 years of age, maintain a valid Alabama driver license and an acceptable driving record, and have proof of current liability insurance.
Experience providing support services, and knowledge of the diagnoses is preferred. Ability to work as an effective team player is essential.
Knowledge of psychiatric disorders in the adult populationKnowledge of cultural diversityKnowledge of behavior management, crisis intervention and interventions common to acute psychotic consumers; as well as, to non-violent crisis intervention practicesKnowledge of psychiatric rehabilitation principlesKnowledge of available community resourcesKnowledge of educational methods appropriate to adults with psychiatric disordersKnowledge of basic living skills teaching methods