ACT Case Manager Peer Support Specialist

POSITION TITLE: Assertive Community Treatment Case Manager – Peer Support Specialist

REPORTS TO: Assertive Community Treatment Team Lead and/or Director of Community Programs

DIRECT REPORTS: None

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt; Full-Time 40 hours weekly, Typically Mon-Fri 8:00am - 5:00pm (occasional weekend and overtime hours may be required).

Employment-at-will position.

PURPOSE: The Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Peer Support Specialist is a person with lived experience with mental illness who provides support to ACT clients with activities of daily living, support networks, and transportation as needed with the goal of promoting and helping navigate recovery. This position works as part of a multidisciplinary ACT team to provide individualized, client-centered support that draws on personal experience of mental illness and recovery.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Provide case management services and access to community resources in the client’s community and home setting.
2. Works as part of a multidisciplinary ACT team to provide individualized, client-centered support that draws on personal experience of mental illness and recovery.
3. Develop and implement comprehensive treatment plans in collaboration with clients, their families, and other members of the treatment team.
4. Collaborate with clients to develop their recovery plans based on their strengths and personal goals and needs.
5. Assist clients in accessing community resources, including mental health, physical health, housing, employment, and other supports.
6. Provide psychoeducation and skill-building to clients on an individual and group basis.
7. Coordinate and monitor all aspects of clients’ care, including medical and psychiatric services, housing, employment, and other community-based resources.
8. Advocate for clients’ needs and rights, including access to appropriate services and benefits, and work to reduce stigma associated with mental illness.
9. Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of all client interactions and progress toward treatment goals.
10. Participate in the ACT Crisis On-Call rotation, responding to client crises by phone as scheduled, collaborating with the Crisis Team, documenting interactions, and ensuring continuity of care.
11. Other duties as assigned.

The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibility and essential functions of this position but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

1. Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related field, or have four years of relevant experience in the behavioral health setting;
2. Knowledge of evidence-based practices for individuals with SPMI/SED
3. Ability to work independently and as part of a team
4. Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills
5. Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.
6. Able to complete a Kansas Certified Peer Support training program and application for certification and other required trainings within six months of employment.
7. Must be willing to self-identify as a person who has experienced mental illness or substance dependence, is familiar with the recovery journey and treatment resources, and is currently in recovery.
8. Establish a minimum of one year in stable recovery from significant mental health or substance use issues and has not used specialized services such as Crisis Services, Detox or Residential, or Community Supports in at least one year.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

1. Remaining stationary, such as standing or sitting, for prolonged periods.
2. Consistently moving from one worksite to another to accomplish tasks.
3. Adjusting or moving objects up to 10 pounds in any direction.
4. Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, or fingers.
5. Communicating with others to exchange information.
6. Withstanding outdoor elements such as temperature, precipitation, and wind.
7. This position requires the use of a company vehicle.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: The environment is a typical office environment or home environment. While on location, work is generally performed indoors with ambient room temperatures, lighting, and traditional office equipment. This position will require the use of a company vehicle for business and requires travel to multiple worksites including other offices, residences, and various places around the community. Peer Support Specialists may be exposed to all low socio-economic homes as well as aggressive situations. The work schedule will generally conform to that of a full-time Monday-Friday 40-hour-per-week schedule. Participation in ACT phone-based on-call rotation outside regular hours of operation, including some weekends, is required.

CONFIDENTIALITY: All Kanza MHGC employees are expected to maintain the highest level of confidentiality and function within the highest ethical standards by exhibiting exemplary conduct.

SALARY RANGE FOR THIS POSITION: Salary commensurate with experience and Kanza MHGC salary structure.

PRIMARY LOCATION: Hiawatha Community Services Building