The Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) program is an intensive and highly integrated approach for community mental health service delivery. As a valued member of the multidisciplinary ACT team, the Peer Support Specialist provides services in community settings including homes, shelters, workplaces, and other locations where individuals live and engage in daily life. This position helps individuals build skills, access resources, increase community integration, and navigate their recovery journey. Under this model all ACT team members share in the responsibility and welfare of consumers who are assigned to the program with the goal being to maintain the individual in the community and reduce hospital recidivism.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Utilize personal lived experience and recovery principles to provide peer support and mentorship.
• Assist individuals in identifying strengths, setting recovery goals, and developing self-advocacy skills.
• Promote hope, empowerment, and recovery-oriented practices.
• Provide individual and group peer support services.
• Assist individuals with developing social supports and community connections.
• Support engagement in treatment and recovery services.
• Accompany individuals to appointments and community activities as appropriate.
• Assist with crisis prevention and recovery planning.
• Collaborate with ACT team members including psychiatrists, nurses, therapists, case managers, and substance use specialists.
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation in accordance with CMH, Medicaid, and agency standards.
• Participate in ACT team meetings, treatment planning, and care coordination activities.
• Maintain professional boundaries and ethical standards consistent with peer support services.
• Performs other duties and/or responsibilities as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must have been a recipient of public or private mental health treatment and/or services for at least one year, with a substantial life disruption due to their mental health condition.
• Valid Michigan driver's license and reliable transportation.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Michigan Certified Peer Support Specialist (MCPSS) certification required or ability to obtain certification within one-year of employment.
• Experience working within a Community Mental Health (CMH) system.
• Knowledge of recovery-oriented and trauma-informed care principles.
• Experience facilitating peer support groups.
• Familiarity with community resources and benefits systems.
• Experience working with individuals receiving intensive community-based services.

Any combination of education, training and experience providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job will be considered.

REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Presents a welcoming manner to all customers and demonstrates engagement with individuals served, which adheres to the fidelity of a recovery model.
• Lived experiences with diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, including experience with behavioral health issues is preferred. Must be supportive of culturally competent recovery-based practices and person-centered planning as a shared decision-making process. Must support a trauma informed culture of safety to aid consumers in their recovery process.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals experiencing serious mental illness, co-occurring disorders, homelessness, and other complex challenges.
• Basic computer skills and ability to complete electronic documentation.
• Excellent time management, personal organization, and decision-making skills
• Knowledge of social service agencies and available resources
• Ability to work with other staff in a team concept
• Ability to accept supervision and complete assignments and duties accurately and in a timely manner.