Caring. Hope. Giving back. Our mission at the Bert Nash Center as the Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) of Douglas County is to advance the health of the community through comprehensive behavioral health services responsive to evolving needs and changing environments. We accomplish this by believing in our team. Each person that works for the Bert Nash Center contributes directly to the success of our clients, organization, and community. Our values of compassion, integrity, equity and hope reflect in everything we do.

Pay is from $16.00 to $22.00 depending on experience. Full time, hourly, and benefit eligible. Bert Nash offers excellent benefits which include medical, dental, vision, KPERS retirement, life insurance, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing free counseling and resources, and generous PTO. 

I.    JOB SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Peer Support Specialist Supervisor, the Peer Support Specialist will ensure that assistance and support is provided to clients of the TRC who are in active stages of their recovery process.  The Peer Support Specialist will provide services in an urgent care, medical, and psychiatric emergency setting that serves individuals across the lifespan through a multidisciplinary and collaborative service approach. 
 
II.    ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES 

1. Helping clients develop a network of information and support from others who have been through similar experiences.  Specific activities may include;

a. Modeling successful behaviors and strategies and share personal experience with recovery;

b. Helping clients access new resources and practice new skills in the community;

c. Connecting clients with other clients, client run organizations, and the community at large;

d. Providing information regarding educational and vocational opportunities within the community.

2. Helping clients regain the ability to make independent choices and take a proactive role in treatment.  Specific activities may include:

a. Helping clients discuss questions or concerns about medications, diagnosis, or treatment approaches with their providers and treatment team;

b. Helping clients articulate their goals and actively participate in their treatment plan during their time at the TRC;

3. Assisting clients with identifying and effectively responding to, or avoiding identified precursors or triggers that result in functional impairments.  Specific activities may include:

a. Sharing and supporting use of recovery tools including established best practices and individually developed tools and strategies;

b. Sharing "lived experiences" and modeling recovery strategies;

c. Documenting all contacts in accordance with agency policy and completing paperwork in a timely manner;

d. Completing all requirements and trainings of the Peer Support Specialist position

1. Monitors patient safety uses de-escalation and physical intervention strategies, such as seclusion and restraints, to maintain patient and staff safety.
2. Monitors patient physical and mental presentation and works collaboratively with the clinical team to communicate any concerns (medical and psychiatric) to the appropriate discipline.
3. Promotes a welcoming environment with excellent customer service.
4. Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the job.
5. Other duties as assigned.

III.  JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Required:  

? High School diploma or GED

? Be a consumer of mental health services with a minimum of 2 years in the active stage of recovery (i.e. did not require services more intense than medication services, individual or group therapy)

• Ability to pass required security background checks
• Reliable transportation and a valid, unrestricted driver's license;
• Understanding of confidentiality and the unique issues of a "peer to peer" relationship
• Complete certification to provide peer support within 6 months of date of hire
• Prior computer experience and basic computer fluency; willingness and ability to learn new programs;
• Ability to exercise sound independent judgement;
• An ability to work independently and in cooperation with others;
• Strong organizational skills;
• Strong oral and written communication skills;
• Strong interpersonal skills in working with diverse populations;

TRC requires the following must be completed prior to start of employment: 

Pre-employment drug screening required.

• Proof of Covid-19 immunization
• Proof of flu immunization
• Proof of TB screening prior to starting any position.