Peer Support Specialist (Medina County)

At Hill Country Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Center our vision is to empower people, foster hope,
support choice, and celebrate success.

“Promoting Independence, Community Integration, and Recovery.”

Help us help others:

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated individual to join the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT) as a Mental Health Crisis Peer Support Specialist embedded with Medina County Mental Health Deputies. In this role, you will provide crucial support to individuals experiencing mental health crises, offering empathy, understanding, and guidance to support them in navigating through difficult moments. As a peer support specialist, you will draw upon your personal lived experience with mental health challenges to connect with and empower those in crisis, while also collaborating with mental health professionals to ensure comprehensive care. This position will provide support in crisis intervention, prevention, and postvention services. The Crisis Peer Support Specialist will provide case management, skills training, engagement, and peer support to adults in individual and group settings with a goal of preventing recurring crises and improving individual coping skills and circumstances. This compassionate, caring, and supportive team member will contribute to the improvement of skills, achievements, and overall quality of life for those in a mental/behavioral health crisis.

You will get to:

• • Respond to individuals in mental health crisis, in person, by video, or over the phone, by providing immediate emotional support and active listening. Utilize your personal experience to empathize and connect with individuals, creating a safe space for open dialogue.
  • Establish a supportive and non-judgmental relationship with individuals in crisis, demonstrating empathy and understanding. Share personal experiences as appropriate to instill hope, encourage self-advocacy, and promote resilience.
  • Collaborate with mental health professionals, along with mental health officers, to determine appropriate interventions and make referrals to appropriate services and resources within the community.
  • Assist individuals in developing personalized crisis safety plans, fostering empowerment and self-management strategies to promote long-term mental health stability. Educate individuals on available community resources for ongoing support.
  • Maintain accurate and confidential records of interactions with individuals, adhering to organizational policies and legal requirements. Collect, analyze, and report on data necessary to contribute to the overall understanding and improvement of crisis response services.
  • Stay updated on current mental health practices, crisis intervention techniques, and peer support best practices. Participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge.
  • Work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team, including mental health professionals, crisis counselors, law enforcement, and other peer support specialists. Engage in regular team meetings and case consultations to ensure coordinated care for individuals in crisis. Assess individual needs and collaborate with people to develop and execute effective recovery and life management plans.
  • Provide relevant skills training to improve daily life.
  • Collaborate with service providers and agencies to be a liaison for effective care and positive outcomes.
     
  • Collaborate with, and provide outreach to, community partners, organizations, and stakeholders.
  • Maintain compliance with all legal requirements and company policies and procedures.
  • Consistently meet with individuals to maintain progress as well as compliance.
  • Work alongside law enforcement and emergency medical personnel.
  • Assist in grant data tracking.
  • Work with Medina County Mental Health Deputies in follow up and crisis prevention in the field, within dispatch, and/or within the jail to fill community gaps.

You’ll definitely need:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Have personal experience with mental health challenges and recovery and demonstrate resilience and stability in your own journey.
• Become certified as Mental Health Peer Support Specialists
• A valid Texas State Driver’s License.
• Current automobile insurance and the ability to travel when necessary.

Work Experience:

• Preferred: 3-5 years of experience working in a mental health setting providing community-based services within the community.
• Experience working within a team setting.
• Bilingual; English/Spanish preferred.
• Live within 30 miles of clinic with reliable transportation

We’ll also want you to:

• Guards’ client confidentiality by being knowledgeable of and adhering to HIPPA regulations.
• Adhere to all Hill Country MHDD policies and procedures.
• Travel as required for service delivery and professional development.
• Driving a company or personal vehicle as required for service delivery and professional development.

• Performs other duties as assigned by Manager/Director.
• Job description may be changed to reflect job updates and requirements.
• Performance metrics may change to reflect the operational needs of the organization.
• Performs other duties as assigned by Clinic Director or Sheriff.

We’re excited to provide:

• PPO health insurance plan, with option to add dependents.
• PPO dental plans and vision insurance options for healthy teeth and eyes.
• Employer paid life insurance.
• 401(a) plan, employer matches your contributions dollar for dollar up to 8% of your salary. You are 100% vested after 3 years of service.
• 457/403(b) plan, employees are immediately eligible to contribute pre-tax earnings.
• Generous paid time off for fun and vacations and paid sick time for when you’re under the weather.
• Authentic and caring environment where folks care about each other.

We can pay you:

$17.92 per hour and benefits plus good karma for doing good in the world.