Peer Recovery Specialist- Grant Funded - UnityPoint Health

Robert Young Center

Crisis Stabilization Center

Peer Recovery Specialist

The Crisis Services Peer Recovery Specialist (PRS) is supervised by the Manager, Crisis Services and provides care to patients in crisis utilizing the Robert Young Center principles of Trauma Informed Care in the community.  The PRS provides acute care to individuals who are experiencing a psychiatric crisis and uses their own unique, life-altering experience in order to guide and support others who are in some form of recovery. The PRS promotes hope through positive self-disclosure, they role model self-care and the effective use of recovery skills, and they help patients overcome discrimination, stigma and/or trauma. They assist patients in obtaining resources, overcoming barriers, and building protective factors. 

Why UnityPoint Health? 

• Commitment to our Team – For the third consecutive year, we're proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare for our commitment to our team members. 
• Culture – At UnityPoint Health, you matter. Come for a fulfilling career and experience a culture guided by uncompromising values and unwavering belief in doing what's right for the people we serve. 
• Benefits – Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in. 
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commitment – We’re committed to ensuring you have a voice that is heard regardless of role, race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation. 
• Development – We believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is an essential part of delivering a remarkable employment experience. 
• Community Involvement – Be an essential part of our core purpose—to improve the health of the people and communities we serve. 

Visit https://dayinthelife.unitypoint.org/ to hear more from our team members about why UnityPoint Health is a great place to work. 

#RYCJessi

Crisis Counseling Support

The PRS uses their personal experiences to develop meaningful and trusting relationships with patients and set an example of what patients can strive for in their recovery.  They provide crisis counseling to patients and families, excel in de-escalation techniques, and assist with developing and implementing recovery plans.

Coordination of Patient Logistics

The PRS handles some of the logistics of patient arrival and departure. This includes arranging transportation for the patient, managing follow-up appointments, and facilitating transfers to outside hospitals.  They may also assist with obtaining insurance authorizations.

Advocacy

The Peer Support Specialist works to build a community of both patients and staff that is supportive and conducive to patient growth and recovery. Through mentoring, they help patients regain a sufficient level of functioning so that they are able to resume advocating for themselves.

Referral

After an assessment by a crisis clinician, the PRS helps facilitate referrals for the patient to the appropriate resource for continued assistance and treatment.  They link patients with RYC services and various community organizations to provide support, particularly during transition from recovery back into the general community. This can include continued healthcare, housing, job assistance, and additional treatment services as well as support in the task of finding or re-integrating with friends, family, and outside communities.

Clinical Excellence

• Utilizes peer mentoring and support, Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) facilitation, access to National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and their signature programs (Peer Connections, In Our Own Voice, Family to Family) to motivate clients towards wellness and recovery goals.
• Maintains accurate, concise, current clinical documentation.
• Integrates ethical principles, evidence-based practice, and research findings into all areas of practice.
• Establishes and maintains good working relationships with the medical, educational, and the social services community.

Education:

Eligibility as determined by the Illinois Register Department of Healthcare and Family Services 89 Ill. Adm. Code 140 by at least one of the following qualifications:

• Requires a high school diploma or GED

AND

• Minimum of five years documented clinical experience in mental health or human services

OR

• An individual possessing a certificate of psychiatric rehabilitation from a DHS-approved program within 6 months of hire,

PLUS

• a high school diploma or GED, plus two years' documented experience in providing mental health services.

Experience:

• Must able to read, write, and communicate effectively.
• Must have a lived experience with mental illness.

License(s)/Certification(s):

• CPR, within 6 months of hire

• Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI), within 6 months of hire

• First Aid Training, within 6 months of hire

• Valid driver’s license required

• Annual education as assigned, within 6 months of hire then, annually

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to apply critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to a wide range of client situations.
• Able to accurately collect and assess information, understand ethical standardsProficiency in the use of computer programs including Microsoft Office and Electronic Medical Record (EMR) application.
• Demonstrated excellent communication skills (orally and in writing) and presents self in a professional manner.
• Able to handle multiple priorities, maintain composure under stress, and adapt to a fast paced changing environment.
• Able to work sensitively with clients.
• Able to establish effective consultative relationship with health care providers, outside agencies, co-workers, and the community.
• of behavioral healthcare, and utilize teaching/learning theories.
• Proficiency in the use of computer programs including Microsoft Office and Electronic Medical Record (EMR) applications