Peer Specialist - 216042

DeKalb Community Service Board (CSB) is an innovative, community-based behavioral health and developmental disabilities services organization located in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia, offering a full range of mental health services, developmental disabilities programs and substance abuse treatment to more than 11,000 citizens annually who are uninsured and underinsured.
 
As a public, not-for-profit organization, the DeKalb CSB operates more than 20 locations in DeKalb County with a diverse workforce of more than 500 direct-care and support staff.

Our staff of physicians, nurses, clinicians and support personnel is dedicated to helping our clients and their families recover from these debilitating disabilities and resume productive lives. We strive to provide the highest quality, evidence-based services in the least restrictive settings, and we envision a community in which disabilities no longer limit potential. DeKalb CSB is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Read more on our recent CARF accreditation here. 

Claratel Behavioral Health (formerly known as DeKalb Community Service Board)  is an innovative, community-based behavioral health and developmental disabilities services organization located in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia, offering a full range of mental health services, developmental disabilities programs and substance abuse treatment to more than 11,000 citizens annually who are uninsured and underinsured.

As a public, not-for-profit organization, the Claratel BH operates more than 20 locations in DeKalb County with a diverse workforce of more than 500 direct-care and support staff.
Our staff of physicians, nurses, clinicians and support personnel is dedicated to helping our clients and their families recover from these debilitating disabilities and resume productive lives. We strive to provide the highest quality, evidence-based services in the least restrictive settings, and we envision a community in which disabilities no longer limit potential. Claratel BH is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Read more on our recent CARF accreditation here.

The DeKalb Regional Crisis Center provides crisis intervention and stabilization services for adults.  The Center offers three levels of care starting with the Crisis Services Center unit that receives walk-ins, transfers from emergency rooms, and involuntary referrals for evaluation.

If further observation is needed, individuals are monitored in the Temporary Observation Unit for 12-24 hours.

Individuals needing a longer period of stabilization or substance withdrawal management (usually 5-7 days) are admitted to the Crisis Stabilization Unit where ongoing care includes crisis counseling, medication, and assistance with discharge planning.

Certified Peer Specialist- CPS-MH, CPS-AD, CARES

ACCOUNTABILITY:

Assistant Center Director SHIFTS AVAILABLE:

Sunday - Thursday 1:30pm-10:15 pm

Required to work 2-3 holidays per year.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Certified Peer Specialist is an integral part of the DeKalb Regional Crisis Center, which provides crisis evaluation, stabilization, and withdrawal management to individuals with mental illness and substance use disorders. Under immediate to general supervision, the Certified Peer Specialist provides peer support services that include serving as a client advocate, skill-building, problem solving, and building self-directed recovery goals.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Certified Peer Specialist:

· Provides early engagement, orientation to services, and support to clients;

· May provide recovery-oriented, psycho-educational groups, under the direction of the Social Services Manager, in the areas of resource utilization, discharge planning, and recovery action planning;

· Assists in providing consistent care coordination and skills training;

· Provides WRAP development;

· Completes Georgia Supportive Housing Surveys;

· Assists in discharge planning and aftercare follow-up;

· Educates and advocates with family members and other caregivers to support individuals in their recovery;

· Is a role model of recovery, flexibility, and professionalism;

· Documents all contacts and completes progress notes according to agency standards;

· Works cohesively with co-workers, physicians, nurses, counselors, techs, administrative staff, agency administration, & family members;

· Possesses basic computer skills & utilize electronic medical records daily;

· Adheres to the CPS Code of Ethics and the DeKalb CSB Core Ethical Values;

· Possesses skills to carry out the expectations in the approved DBHDD Job Description as appropriate to the duties of this position.

· Additional duties may be assigned by the Social Services Manager or the Director, as needed.

SKILL, COMPETENCY AND EDUCATION AND/OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications:

· Georgia certification as a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) or Certified Addiction Recovery Empowerment Specialist (CARES);

· 6 months experience working/volunteering in the capacity of CPS/CARES with individuals diagnosed with mental illness and/or substance use disorders;

· Competency in teaching basic group skills, understanding how to engage individuals in treatment & development of self-advocacy;

· Minimum of High School diploma;

· Proficient computer skills to be able to use electronic medical records;

· Care coordination skills to assist individuals with accessing/linking to additional resources and/or services within the agency and/or community.

Preferred Qualifications:

· 2 years’ work experience in a similar setting/situation.

WORKING CONDITIONS

· Works in a crisis setting and may encounter individuals who exhibit unexpected behaviors.

· Must be able to complete the Crisis Prevention Institute training.

· Must be able to lift 25 lbs.

· Position requires considerable walking and standing.

INTER-RELATIONSHIPS

· Able to communicate effectively and professionally with co-workers, law enforcement, persons served, family members, as well as the public.

NEEDED ATTRIBUTES

· Must have transportation to and from work, strong interpersonal skills & be a positive team player, ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds, & be a positive role model for persons

Pre-employment drug screening may be required. Selected applicant will be subject of an FBI Criminal History Record Check, and the applicant has the right to challenge the contents of their Criminal History Record Information, should they choose to do so. This employer participates in E-Verify. For more information visit www.dekcsb.org/careers

Claratel Behavioral Health is an equal opportunity employer regarding disability under VEVRRA and ADA