Detention Center Peer Support Specialist

The Alliance Detention Center Peer Support Specialist (PSS) is responsible for providing timely support for post release planning to detainees with complex needs due to Severe Mental Illness, Substance Use Disorders, Intellectual Disabilities, unmet Physical Health needs due to acute, chronic, or infectious conditions, and/or Social Drivers of Health, especially homelessness. The Detention PSS may engage the detainee post release for up to 30 days to assist with connecting them to a Community Care Manager and needed resources such as medical providers, medication management, behavioral health providers, housing needed resources, insurance coverage, employment, transportation, food, and veteran services. The focus will be on post release preparation and supporting member post release for 30 days to achieve their chosen goals.

This position will allow the successful candidate to work a schedule that will be primarily remote. While there is no expectation of being in the office routinely, they will be required to come into the Alliance Office for business and team meetings as needed. This position will serve the Cumberland county area.

This position is a provisionally county funded position that is potentially time limited unless further funding is secured.

Responsibilities & Duties

Assessments & Care Planning

• Meet with detainees and/or guardian within two business days of referral to establish rapport and begin identifying immediate and post release needs
• Meet with detainees as often as needed to build/maintain rapport, offer support and assist with release planning; attempt at least one time weekly
• Use a person-centered approach to post release planning that is sensitive to the detainee's culture, values, and preferences
• Assist with developing a care plan with a comprehensive, wholistic and compassionate approach to care delivery that integrates physical, behavior, social, functional, and other needs as identified

Care Management and Collaboration

• Accept referrals from detention center behavioral/medical staff. Referrals may be for detainees that are Alliance members or non-members
• If detainee is an Alliance member, research their treatment and diagnostic history to assist with release planning. Collaborate with Detention CM to notify assigned Care Manager and enhanced providers of detainment
• Collaborate with Alliance CM throughout engagement with detainee. Consideration should be given to which position, CM or PSS, that can most effectively engage detainee throughout the post release planning process. It is expected that the CM and PSS will support each other to achieve the best possible outcome for the detainee
• Obtain Release of Information from detainees and/or guardian if needed to collaborate with family members, natural supports, and providers
• Provide detainee and/or guardian with education and support to assist with developing a post release plan
• Partner with detainee and/or guardian to develop post release plan based on Care Needs Screening. Collaborate with CM to adjust the post release plan as needed to accurately reflect detainee's needs
• Assist detainee with developing and using healthy coping strategies, problem solving skills, and goal setting
• Provide education to detainee and/or guardian about available services and resources
• Complete referrals as needed for post release services
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings for resolution of complex needs
• When support is needed, if possible, meet with detainee on the day of release, review post release plan, and ensure detainee has needed contact information for services and resources. When possible, if needed, accompany members to temporary housing or to obtain needed resources
• For Alliance members, provide education about benefits of Tailored Plan, Medicaid Direct, and State Funded services. For any individuals assigned to a Standard Plan, review criteria for Tailored Plan and assist with request to move to Tailored Plan as indicated
• Engage with detainee in community up to 30 days post release to ensure they are connected with needed providers and resources

Advocacy

• Identify barriers to post release planning. Raise awareness with supervisors and stakeholders that can assist with eliminating or ameliorating barriers
• Maintain and document adherence to confidentiality and privacy mandates during facilitation, collaboration, and coordination efforts during post release planning and follow up
• Provide education and guidance on self-determination
• Promote informed and shared decision making, autonomy, and self-advocacy
• Provide or connect detainee and/or their informal supports with education to help improve their functioning, adaptive skills, socialization, and navigation of the service system
• Educate healthcare and service providers about recognizing and respecting the detainee's strengths, needs, goals, and decisions
• Recognize and work to prevent disparities in accessing quality services and care
• Advocate for least restrictive services, timely and well-coordinated transitions, and allocation of resources to optimize outcomes
• Recognize potential rising risk or escalation and consult with supervisor. Consult as needed with senior leadership, medical team, nursing, pharmacy, legal, or compliance

Professional Accountability

• Consistently act in a professional manner that aligns with Alliance values
• Pursue professional knowledge and practice excellence to maintain competence in care management and human service delivery best practices
• Prioritize detainee's safety; report any safety concerns, unusual behavior, or conflicts to relevant detention staff and consult with supervisor
• Participate as requested in data collection of outcomes, system needs, volume served, and position activities to track program progress and identify needs
• Document in Alliance electronic record all contacts with detainees and/or guardians and all efforts made for release planning in accordance with documentation guidelines
• Maintain compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and organization, accreditation, and certification standards
• Maintain professional license or certification as applicable

Travel

• Travel as needed to meet detainees, guardians, providers, and stakeholders
• Travel to Alliance offices/catchment area for meetings, trainings, and Alliance sponsored events
• Travel outside Alliance catchment areas as needed

Minimum Requirements

Education & Experience

High school diploma or equivalent and be a North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist (NC CPSS). Lived experience with mental health, substance use, or trauma is required. At least one (1) year experience working with people that have Severe Mental Illness (SMI) or Severe and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI).

Must reside in North Carolina and must have ability to travel as needed.

Preferred:

Experience working with people that are involved with the criminal justice system.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of the Alliance Health service benefit plans and network providers.
• Ability to independently organize multiple tasks, priorities, and to effectively manage an assigned caseload
• Strong interpersonal skills and effective communication ability with individuals and groups using written, spoken, and electronic methods
• Computer skills to complete work using Microsoft Office products and electronic medical record
• Ability to problem solving, negotiate and resolve conflict
• Detail-oriented, able to organize multiple tasks and priorities and effectively manage tasks from start to finish
• Ability to change the focus of his/her activities to meet changing priorities
• Ability to work with various office staff to accomplish workflows
• Ability to collaborate with healthcare professionals, members, families, natural supports, and various stakeholders

Employment for this position is contingent upon a satisfactory background and MVR (Motor Vehicle Registration) check, which will be performed after acceptance of an offer of employment and prior to the employee's start date.

Salary Range

$ $27.40/ Hourly

Exact compensation will be determined based on the candidate's education, experience, external market data and consideration of internal equity

An excellent fringe benefit package accompanies the salary, which includes:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Long Term Disability
• Generous retirement savings plan
• Flexible work schedules including hybrid/remote options
• Paid time off including vacation, sick leave, holiday, management leave
• Dress flexibility

Required

• High School or better in General Studies

Required

• Cert Peer Support Spec

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.