Peer Support Specialist

Company: MaineHealth
Location: Portland
Posted on: January 25, 2023

Job Description:

Summary

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  Position Summary
  
  
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    Maine Behavioral Healthcare (MBH) defines "Peer" as a person who has personally experienced challenges maintaining mental health, which may include recovery from substance use. A Peer Support Specialist is willing to self-identify on that basis and effectively shares about their personal lived experience in a way that fosters a healthy relationship, centered on each person exploring wellness, challenges, and new ways of thinking about life and challenges. It is required that a person has experienced mental health challenges as part of their life story to be employed as a Peer Support Specialist
    
    Peer Support Specialists provide one-on-one support to people in the community, at their homes, and/or at the location where the peer works. Peer Support Specialists also provide group facilitation in various topics related to the setting in which they work, including topics such as wellness, recovery, boundaries, self-esteem, healthy relationships, etc. Peer Support Specialists support people in connecting to wellness/recovery opportunities in the community and accessing other community support services when appropriate. Peer Support Specialists do not provide clinical assessment or traditional service provider functions within the team. Peer Support Specialists use peer support to build mutually supportive relationships that allow each person to grow and learn together. Peer Support Specialists are required to have or obtain a certification in Intentional Peer Support. Peer Support Specialists manage conflict and disagreements according to agency and peer values.
    
    
    
    
    
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    Required Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
    
    
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      Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. Some college preferred.
      
      
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      License/Certifications: Completion of, or ability to complete, the relevant training to the position is required. This may be the State of Maine Certified Intentional Peer Support Specialist (CIPSS) Certification. Provisional CIPSS Certification may be required within 9 months of hire date. If CIPSS is required, the ability to maintain certification will be required (meet co-reflection and continuing education requirements). Ability to provide support according to the values and principles of the training is required. Employment will be contingent on the above certification guidelines. Driving license and reliable transportation.
      
      
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      Experience: Experience providing one-on-one and/or group facilitation peer support is preferred
      
      
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      Is receiving or has received services and/or supports related to the diagnosis of a mental illness and is willing to self-identify on this basis with peers and in the community. May be receiving or has received services and supports related to a history of substance use, is in active recovery, and willing to self-identify on this basis with peers and in the community
      
      
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      Models strengths-based interactions and treats all individuals with respect. Demonstrates ability to utilize strengths-based approach to problem solving
      
      
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      Ability to articulate the unique nature of Peer Support within traditional service programs
      
      
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      Good communication skills and an ability to establish rapport with consumers, family members, caregivers and other resource providers. Willingness to further develop communication skills (i.e. written, verbal, and computer.)
      
      
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      Demonstrated ability to keep focus on continual learning and growth is required
      
      
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      Ability to work a flexible work schedule, including evenings and weekends when needed
      
      
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      Computer proficiency needed - ability to do basic computer skills in Microsoft Office and Outlook email
      
      
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      Ability to establish and maintain effective and positive working relationships with a variety of volunteers, fellow workers, communities, resources and cultures. Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively
      
      
      
      
      
      Additional Information
      
      
      
      MaineHealth was ranked one of America's Best Large Employers in 2022 by Forbes!
      
      
      
      MaineHealth is a not-for-profit integrated health system whose vision is, "Working together so our communities are the healthiest in America." MaineHealth consists of nine local health systems, a comprehensive behavioral health care network, diagnostic services, home health agencies, and 1,700 employed clinicians working together through the MaineHealth Medical Group. With approximately 22,000 care team members, MaineHealth provides preventive care, diagnosis and treatment to 1.1 million residents in Maine and New Hampshire. Learn more about our system at mainehealth.org
      
      
      
      At MaineHealth, we offer benefits that support an individual's needs for today and flexibility to plan for tomorrow. Our packages include health and dental insurances, paid parental leave, retirement program, generous paid time off, and much more! Our comprehensive array of benefits are competitive, affordable, and include choices that meet specific, but ever changing, needs.
      
      
      
      With a career at any of the MaineHealth locations, you'll be working with health care professionals that truly value the people around them - both within the walls of the organization and the neighborhoods that surround it. We are deeply invested in the well-being of our communities and care team members. We believe in fostering a work environment of strong commitment, compassionate caring and continuous improvement. Join us, and your abilities will be challenged and enhanced as you take your career to a new level.
      
      
      

Keywords: MaineHealth, Portland , Peer Support Specialist, Other , Portland, Maine