Peer Support Specialist

About the Job

Location: New Hanover Regional Medical Center

Department: NHRMC Grants

Full Time Equivalent: FTE: 1.000000

Work Type: 64 to 80 Hours Pay Period

Work Schedule: 8HR ROTATE - Rotating shifts

Exempt from Overtime: Exempt: No

What You'll Do

Summary:

The team member’s Number One job responsibility is to deliver the most remarkable patient experience, in every dimension, every time, and understands how to contribute to the health system’s vision of achieving that commitment to patients and families. At Novant Health, people are our business. We treat each other with respect and compassion. We embrace the differences in our strengths while fostering an environment of inclusion, empowerment, inspiration and courage. The team member will use Novant Health’s First Do No Harm (NHFDNH) safety behaviors/error prevention tools and high reliability strategies as appropriate to ensure a safe, remarkable patient experience. The PSS-Hospital position is held by an employee who is or has been a recipient of mental health and/or substance abuse services. Due to their lived experience, they provide expertise with recovery, wellness self-management, self-advocacy, and resilience and share that expertise with colleagues and patients. The PSS provides one to one peer mentoring with current patients in the Behavioral Health services of Novant Health System as well as group supports providing education, guidance, role modeling, and advocacy to promote the recovery of each patient. The PSS works as a fully integrated member of an interdisciplinary team. This position serves as a role model and recovery consultant with colleagues by providing essential expertise within the team to promote a culture in which each patient’s point of view, preferences and needs are recognized, respected, understood and integrated into treatment planning and rehabilitation services.

Responsibilities:

Essential Functions • Provide 1:1 peer support for patients receiving treatment on Novant Health’s inpatient and outpatient behavioral health locations: Assist patients in identifying their goals and treatment plans. Participate in treatment planning meetings as needed. Orient patients upon admission to the program. Participate in intake and discharge planning as needed. Assist patients in preparing to talk with their doctor, social worker, etc. Gather outcomes information on the peer support specialist service. Educate patients about community resources that can be accessed upon discharge to assist in the continuation of their recovery. • Coordinate and/or directly provide peer service activities including, but not limited to: Facilitate group recovery education on WRAP, overview of recovery, role of personal responsibility, crisis planning, etc. Establish individualized recovery plans, provide peer supports, facilitate WRAP groups, facilitate recovery classes as scheduled, outreach to potential patients. Recovery resources such as booklets, tapes, pamphlets and other written materials will be utilized by the PSS in the provision of services. Through the use of role playing/modeling techniques the PSS provides opportunities for others to show/demonstrate how they have handled similar problems, how to present themselves in certain situations, or how to handle problems that may arise in interactions with others. Use ongoing individual and group sessions to teach clients how to identify and combat negative self-talk and how to identify and overcome fears by providing a forum, which allows group members and PSS to share their experiences. Assist clients in articulating personal goals for recovery through the use of one-toone and group sessions. During these sessions, the PSS will support clients in identifying and creating goals and developing recovery plans with the skills, strengths, supports and resources to aid them in achieving those goals. • Collaboration and Professional development: Actively participate in staff meetings, supervision sessions and team/group activities. Communicate /meet with clinical leadership regarding any clinical issues as well as programmatic issues as they arise. The PSS will maintain a working knowledge of current trends and developments in the mental health field by reading books, journals, and other relevant materials and will share recovery materials with others at continuing education seminars and other venues to be developed to support recovery-oriented services. Develop group topics, activities and curricula for wellness self-management classes. Complete all peer paperwork in a timely manner and maintain files, Document patient progress to maintain a permanent record of client activity according to the agency's established methods and procedures. Presentations during new employee orientation and staff trainings on recovery and peer support. • Quality Improvement/Systems Advocacy: Provide education on clients rights and responsibilities. Make recommendations on hospital materials/forms/policies for patient friendly language. Attend meetings or committees as assigned by team leadership.

Position Requirements

Credentials:

Education:
Essential:
* High School Diploma

Other information:

Education: High School or GED Required.

Years of Experience: A minimum of three years of experience in a professional, volunteer, or advocacy position in a human services related program preferred.

Refer to the Life Support Training Policy NH-HR-3096.

Licensure/Certification Type (ex NP, RN, CMA): Possess current NC PSS Certification Required

Additional Skills/Requirements (required) • Must be a self-identified consumer of mental health and/or substance abuse services. Be able to share their personal history of recovery. Must be at least 21 years of age. Must submit to a criminal background screening. Must be able to maintain the highest level of ethical standards/boundaries and professional relationships. Must be able to avoid dual relationships with patients outside healthcare setting. Must possess good oral and written communication skills. Ability to interface with peers, colleagues, service providers, family members and community members in an empathic, professional manner. Presentation skills to large and small groups on mental health related topics, including sharing personal journey of recovery. Ability to represent Novant Health with a high level of professionalism in the workplace and in the community. Creativity, flexibility and a positive support approach. Ability to remain solution-focused. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Ability to manage time, complete tasks accordingly, and be dependable and reliable. Possess understanding, belief and commitment to the recovery process. Ability to resolve conflict, problem solve and respond calmly and appropriately under pressure. Possess excellent interpersonal skills, active and reflective listening, conflict resolution, mediation and negotiation skills, and demonstrated self-help skills. Ability to motivate and inspire others and promote self- advocacy. Ability to advocate on behalf of and with others. Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information. Ability to exercise sound judgment. Establish and maintain trusting relationships, show compassion, dignity and respect. Have a clear sense of personal and professional limits and ability to communicate them to others including supervisor, colleagues and peers. Willingness to utilize a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) in daily life. Ability to use or learn computer software (Microsoft Word, Excel, and email programs). Ability to work variable shifts, including day, evening and weekends as needed. Knowledge of community resources, coping skills, and advocacy techniques.