Peer Support Specialist, EPS

Ranked one of Tennessee's top places to work, MHC is a rare and special place where outstanding company culture is intentional. Where clients and associates are treated the same, as equals.

Mental Health Cooperative, Inc. (MHC) was formed in 1993 to serve individuals with severe and persistent mental illness.  Since then, we have expanded our services to children and adolescents with severe emotional disorders across Middle and East Tennessee.

Our sole purpose is to support and treat those challenged with serious mental illness and poverty. Although based out of Nashville, we serve several communities across middle and East Tennessee with satellite offices in Antioch, Gallatin, Dickson, Columbia, Cleveland, Murfreesboro, Clarksville, Cookeville, Chattanooga, and Memphis. 

If you are interested in joining a team that is caring, collaborative, innovative and energizing this might be a great place for you

Job Title: Peer Specialist, Emergency Psychiatric Services (EPS)

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm

Salary: $19.18 (base pay) with additional incentive for language skills and behavioral health experience.

JOB SUMMARY: The Peer Specialist position is based out of Respite and available throughout Emergency Psychiatric Services to assist Consumers in EPS with on-site treatment via group counseling sessions, follow-up calls, and individual engagement. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides on-site treatment via group counseling sessions within EPS at CSU, IIC, or CTC as needed.
• Provides follow-up phone contact for Consumers upon discharge to ensure discharge plan is working and to assist Consumer in developing alternatives if necessary.
• Engages Consumers throughout EPS, to build therapeutic alliances and de-escalate any potential problems.
• Cross-trains as a Resident Counselor to be able to assist in RC tasks if needed.
• Reports all maintenance/facility issues to Supervisor.
• Assists with organizing supplies and passing out meals as needed.
• Ensures timely and appropriate documentation as required by agency.
• Works with EPS Supervisor to ensure that an active programming schedule is completed daily at CSU, IIC, & CTC.
• Makes customer service a priority with internal and external customers.
• Develops and maintains community and MHC inter-departmental relations through respect and prompt follow-up.
• Communicates effectively with staff, Supervisors, and Consumers.
• Maintains flexibility in the workplace.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings, training opportunities, team meetings, and supervision as required.

REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Diploma or General Education Degree (G.E.D.)
• Peer Recovery Specialist certification or be working toward Certification and obtain phase 1 certification within first year of employment
• Minimum of 6 months paid or volunteer work as either: Peer Counselor, Support Group Leader, Peer Educator, Resident Counselor; or Mental Health Technician

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION:

• Internal and external customer service indicative of mutual respect and trust
• Effective written and verbal communication
• Ability to prioritize, remain calm and focused when dealing with consumer crises
• Remain flexible and demonstrate positive attitude to respond to changing needs

ABOUT YOU:

• Internal and external customer service indicative of mutual respect and trust
• Effective written and verbal communication
• Ability to prioritize, remain calm and focused when dealing with consumer crises
• Remain flexible and demonstrate positive attitude to respond to changing needs

JOINT COMMISSION COMPETENCIES:

• Consumer Engagement – establishes and maintains a therapeutic relationship via effective, appropriate communication and behaviors with Consumers
• Appropriate use of Therapeutic Options De-escalation and Restraint.
• Actively participates in communication and consultation process with cross-disciplinary team.
• Completes group sessions in a therapeutic manner, providing Consumers with the ability to process and interact with other Consumers.
• Completes appropriate follow up care for Consumers discharged from EPS Treatment.
• Engages with Consumers consistent with knowledge and application of suicide specific assessments.
• Promotes a recovery-based approach to care that emphasizes hope, respect, self-direction and empowerment.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with a collaborative style and the ability to communicate effectively at all levels.
• Demonstrates evidenced informed practice related to substance use disorders

REPORTING TO THIS POSITION:

• None

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical demands: While performing duties of job, employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear. Employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
• Work environment: The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

BENEFITS: Mental Health Cooperative offers a full comprehensive benefit plan for you to participate in. The following products are available:

• Medical Insurance/Prescription Drug Coverage
• Health Savings Account
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
• Short- & Long-Term Disability
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Cancer Insurance
• Accident Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• 403b - Retirement Plan
• Calm App for medication and mental health
• Gym membership discounts 

Mental Health Cooperative embraces inclusion, diversity and equal opportunity. We're committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. Mental Health Cooperative is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.