SMI Peer Support Specialist EMPACT

Who we are:

EMPACT- Suicide Prevention Center, part of the La Frontera family, is an industry leading non-profit organization dedicated to providing valued community services and resources for behavioral health counseling, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention since 1987. We are an EEO/AA Employer. 

You can view all our job openings at: https://lafronteraaz-empact.org/join-us/

What you’ll do:

The primary responsibilities of the SMI Peer Support Specialist position are to model the skills necessary to maneuver within the behavioral health system and other community programs, serving as a system guide and advocate. Provide direct support to the individual served and act as an active member of the Adult Recovery Team.  

Essential Job Responsibilities: 

• Assist the individual served in developing and implementing a self-directed recovery plan, by sharing your own experience, providing support, teaching self-management techniques and reassurance. Follow up and assist with the needs identified in the plan. 
• Locate and orient the individual served to additional informal supports available in the community and help get them connected. 
  1. Provide assistance in completing applications for community resources as needed. 
  2. Participate with team members and agency staff in identifying and removing barriers within the behavioral health system. 
  3. Provide strengths-based, community-based and culturally competent services for individuals served. 
• Deliver 40 hours of work per week, with a goal of 30 hours direct client contact, which includes case management as needed. Productivity standards established at a minimum of once a year and as needed due to contract changes. Evening and weekend hours may be required to accommodate the schedules of individuals served. 
• Attend meetings and trainings as requested. 
• Attend regular scheduled weekly supervision. Seek out additional supervision as needed. 
• Develop and collaborate with an extensive network of community based and RHBA resources. 
• The Peer Support person must know how to access various social/behavioral health community-based services that can include but is not limited to: food, clothing, support services, and crisis stabilization/transition services. This can also include making necessary appointments, assisting with scheduling, or arranging SMI evaluations when applicable.

What you’ll provide: 

• Strong attention to detail. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• Proactive and independent with the ability to take initiative. 
• Excellent organizational skills. 
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines. 
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, Excel, and PowerPoint.  
• Must have a valid AZ driver's license with no major infractions in the past three years.
• Must have a Fingerprint clearance card or be eligible to obtain one.
• Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of employment.

Education and Experience: 

• High School Diploma or GED, Peer Support Certification 
• Must be eligible to obtain Peer Support Specialist Certificate. 
• Must be a recipient or have received services through the community behavioral health system. 
• The ability and willingness to share their experience of receiving behavioral health services. 

 Additional Requirements and Responsibilities:

• Demonstrated ability to remain calm in crisis situations, work independently and cooperatively, recognize personal limitations, and relate positively and with empathy to all persons regardless of age, race, creed, gender or sexual orientation.
• Maintain professional conduct consistent with ethical professional practice and the policies and procedures of the agency.
• Maintain a professional demeanor and positive working relationships with internal and external team members, stakeholders, and community and business partners.
• If driving while on agency time or on agency business, a valid Arizona driver license and appropriate liability insurance and approval for liability coverage with EMPACT - SPC’s liability insurance carrier is required. At time of hire, a 3-year state driving record with no major infractions or excessive driving violations/tickets is required.

What you’ll experience:

• The typical work environment will be working indoors, in an office environment, or working in the community and in a members’ home. 
• Position requires driving of company van and/or personal vehicle. 
• Must maintain a valid Arizona driver's license. 
• Must maintain liability insurance for personal vehicle. 
• Employees must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

What we’ll offer:

(Full-time employees)

• Generous PTO 
• 10 paid holidays per year 
• Medical plans (3 choices) 
• Dental plans (2 choices) 
• Vision plans (2 choices) 
• 403(b) retirement plan 
• Retirement Allowance 
• Company paid Life/AD&D and Long-term Disability 
• Voluntary additional Life and Short-term Disability 
• Tuition Reimbursement 
• Licensure Reimbursement
• Elder Care assistance 
• Pet Insurance and much more!

EMPACT-SPC is licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services, and accredited by the American association of Suicidology (AAS) and The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). 

EMPACT-SPC/La Frontera Arizona provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. 

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. 

All employees of EMPACT-SPC and La Frontera Arizona are employees "at will" as that term is understood in the State of Arizona. This means that employment may be terminated at any time without prior notice and for no stated reason. 

EMPACT-SPC/La Frontera Arizona reserves the right to modify position descriptions as needed and without notice. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.