Job: Peer Support Specialist- FACT Program

Job Description

Job Type: Full time, Hourly

Wage: $17/hr.

Location: Canon City, CO.

Job Description:

A thriving community mental health clinic is seeking an outgoing, energetic Peer Support Specialist who specializes in working with the Forensic/Criminal Justice population to be part of our FACT Team. We are looking for an individual who is organized and passionate about helping people in the mental health, substance abuse and criminal justice fields.

Forensic assertive community treatment (FACT) is a service delivery model intended for individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) who are involved with the criminal justice system. These individuals may have co-occurring substance use and physical health disorders. Their needs are often complex, and their disorders are often under-managed and further complicated by varying degrees of involvement with the criminal justice system. FACT builds on the evidence-based assertive community treatment (ACT) model by making adaptations based on criminal justice issues—in particular, addressing criminogenic risks and needs. In this sense, FACT is an intervention that bridges the behavioral health and criminal justice systems. FACT is designed to do the following: improve clients’ mental health outcomes and daily functioning; reduce recidivism by addressing criminogenic risks and needs; divert individuals in need of treatment away from the criminal justice system; manage costs by reducing reoccurring arrest, incarceration, and hospitalization; and increase public safety.

The objective of the FACT Grant is to increase the stabilization of individuals suffering from persistent severe mental illness with criminal justice involvement who may also have co-occurring or physical health disorder by offering high intensity behavioral health treatment to reduce recidivism and relapse by at least 25%; therefore, increasing stabilization and quality of life for the clients we serve.

The FACT Peer Support Specialist is a crucial member of the team, offering unique insights and guidance drawn from personal experience with recovery. By providing support, the Peer Support Specialist helps clients build resilience and navigate their recovery to support goals of successful community living.

Responsibilities and Duties Include:

• Reviewing referrals and determining program appropriateness.
• Attending and participating in multidisciplinary treatment team meetings at the Court, Jail or office.
• Participating in court hearings as an agency representative.
• Assisting clients based on their needs (this may include intake paperwork, applications for insurance, housing, treatment homework, direct client support and other services).
• Referring clients to appropriate adjunct services.
• Navigating community resources.
• Completing, organizing, and submitting monthly documentation.
• Providing crisis intervention to individuals and families;
• Coordinating patient care by providing recommendations and pertinent information to treatment providers regarding potentially helpful resources and formulating plans for aftercare.
• Providing peer group facilitation, meet with clients regularly to offer one-on-one support services including assistance with goal setting, problem-solving, and skill-building.
• Arranging medical appointments, therapy sessions, support groups, and other resources to aid the client.
• Leverage lived experience to establish rapport and build trusting relationships with clients. Support clients in developing practical life skills needed to function successfully in the community.
• Act as a role model and advocate for recovery, demonstrating hope, resilience, and understanding in the face of challenges.
• Collaborate with clients and the FACT team to identify client strengths, needs, and goals for recovery and community reintegration.
• Engage in community-based outreach and service to connect with and support clients directly, building relationships and providing essential services within their environment.

Qualifications:

High school diploma/G.E.D.;

Certification by the State of Colorado as a Peer Specialist

Must possess a valid Colorado driver's license and have access to reliable transportation during work hours.

OTHER: Experience working within a multi-disciplinary team. Comfortable with the mentally ill and criminal justice population.

Demonstrated ability to effectively share lived experiences in a way that promotes empathy, connection, and hope.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to establish appropriate professional boundaries and maintain confidentiality.

Requires exceptional flexibility, time management, and documentation skills.

Must be a self-starter and self-motivator.

Desire to make a difference in the lives of people that truly need reliable support.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $17.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Are you comfortable and passionate about working with the Forensic/Incompetent population?
• Do you have experience as a Peer Support Specialist? If so, please share how many years and the primary agency you gained your experience?
• Do you have a Certification by the State of Colorado as Peer Specialist?

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

**Disclaimer: The duties and responsibilities described above are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned to the employee, time to time; the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands. Click “View Application” below for more detail on this specific job.