POSITION SUMMARY:

Person in this position will function as an interdisciplinary team member, assisting other profession/non-professional personnel in a rehabilitation treatment program. Peer Specialist performs a variety of supportive tasks that include assisting Veterans in articulating their goals for recovery, learning, and practicing new skills, helping them monitor their progress, assisting them in their treatment, modeling effective coping techniques and self-help strategies based on the peer specialist's own recovery experience, and supporting them in advocating for themselves to obtain effective services. Essential Job Functions include those listed below.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Conduct/develop a Wellness Recovery Action Plan, (WRAP) with program participants.
• Provide services within the Zero Suicide framework, including those to ensure a warm hand-off.
• Conduct community-based outreach to identify and engage program eligible individuals and their families.
• Deliver safeTALK, an evidence-based suicide prevention education program to Veterans, family members, clinical service providers, program partners and community members.
• As necessary, handles crisis interventions for Veterans and addresses other emergent situations without the benefit of specific instructions.
• Develop mental and physical health activities for program participants and their family members when appropriate, such as but not limited to nature walks, volunteer opportunities, and social activities.
• Provide presentations to community organizations such as faith-based groups, medical and mental health providers, schools, civic groups, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and law enforcement.
• Must Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation; and
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Experience and Competencies:

• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion.
• Ability to operate a computer and complete documents in Microsoft Word program formats or the ability to learn.
• Ability to respond as needed to crisis situations in an efficient manner.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Adherence to the highest standard of ethical conduct, especially to standards governing confidentiality.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Must be culturally/linguistically sensitive to populations served.
• Military/Veteran is required.
• Must be able to successfully obtain and maintain a criminal background clearance
• Valid driver's license and ability to obtain and maintain WestCare's vehicle insurance is required; and
• During your tenure with WestCare there may be new requirements, including, but not limited to vaccinations that are issued by local, State, Federal, and/or Funders that WestCare may have to comply with. Should this occur Human Resources or appropriate personnel will inform you.
• CPR Certification, First Aid Certification, and an annual Tuberculosis test.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Two (2) years peer support experience preferably with suicide prevention services experience.
• Peer support services must be provided by Veterans training in peer support with similar lived experiences related to suicide or mental health.
• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:

• Peer Support Certification in good standing to be obtained within six (6) months of hire.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is primarily performed in an office or in a Residential/Outpatient treatment setting.
• Some outdoor activities may be required.
• Must be able to de-escalate situations in the program.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB:

The employee must be able to perform the following essential duties and activities with or without accommodation:

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Requires mobility and physical activity: Having an adequate range of body motion and mobility to work in an office, residential, or outdoor environment including standing and walking (even and uneven surfaces), sitting for extended periods of time, bending, twisting, reaching, balancing, occasional lifting and carrying of up to 10 pounds. Use of computer and telephone systems is required which includes coordination of eye and hand, and fine manipulation by the hands (typing, writing, and working with files). Requires the ability to defend oneself and clients in physically abusive situations using approved physical de-escalation techniques.
• Requires talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Talking is required to impart oral information to employees, clients, patients, and the public, and in those activities in which the employee is required to convey detailed or important spoken instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly.
• Requires hearing: Hearing is required to receive and communicate detailed information through oral communication.
• Requires seeing: Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less and at distance. This factor is required to complete paperwork for many of the employee's essential job functions and to observe client behavior and activities in and out of the facility.
• The normal work routine involves no exposure to human blood, body fluids or tissues. However, exposure or potential exposure may be required as a condition of employment. Appropriate personal protective equipment will be readily available to every employee.

MENTAL DEMANDS:

• Requires the ability to collect and analyze complex numerical and written data and verbal information to reach logical conclusions.
• Requires the ability to work and cooperate with clients, co-workers, managers, the public and employees at all levels to exchange ideas, information, instructions, and opinions.
• Requires the ability to work under stress and in emotionally charged settings.
• The ability to defend oneself and clients in mentally/verbally abusive situations using approved mental/verbal de-escalation techniques.