Peer Specialist-Access Mental Health CT

POSITION SUMMARY The Peer Specialist works as a collaborative member with the Access Mental Health team to link children and youth with behavioral health supports.  They assist with making phone calls to families referred for behavioral health services to monitor follow-up/engagement with keeping appointments.  The Peer Specialist provides both traditional and non-traditional referrals to families and works with program staff to ensure successful coordination of referrals. They attend community-based family related coordination meetings such as local System of Care community collaborative meetings.   RATE $21   EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS High School Diploma plus some personal or family related experience navigating the service and/or related systems to obtain care for self or a family member with behavioral health challenges is required. Direct experience supporting, serving or otherwise providing care to youth and/or families case management experience is preferred.  Spanish speaking is preferred. Certification in the State of Connecticut is required as such certification is made available. Exhibits strong interpersonal, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Demonstrates exceptional customer service skills. Demonstrates computer proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and other software programs.   LOCATION Position is primarily remote. Office is located in Plainville, CT.   SCHEDULE Full time   EMPLOYEE BENEFITS At Wheeler, we're committed to not only supporting your career growth but also ensuring your well-being and security. Here's how we invest in you:   Nurture Your Health: Comprehensive medical and prescription insurance through Centivo Comprehensive dental and vision insurance through Cigna Access to wellness programs to support your physical and mental health Secure Your Future: Enjoy peace of mind with company-paid life and AD&D insurance 403(b) Plan, with contributions from the company Fuel Your Career Growth: Pursue your educational goals with our Education Reimbursement Program Access training and development opportunities Receive a productivity incentive to recognize your hard work and dedication Maintain Work-Life Harmony: Recharge with generous paid time off, including: 15 vacation days per year to explore and recharge 8 sick days per year for your well-being 2 personal days per year for your personal needs 2 floating holidays per year to celebrate what matters to you 9 paid company holidays to spend with loved ones Access free and confidential counseling through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)   ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Provides assistance, coordination of care and supportive telephonic or occasional in-person services to parents and caretakers accessing behavioral health care for their children and youth.  Works in collaboration with other providers involved in the youth’s care (including pediatricians, DCF, school-based health clinic staff, other behavioral health providers, schools and advocates) to the extent that it helps to obtain needed behavioral health services. Attends meetings, when necessary, to facilitate the coordination of complex services and resources. Maintains a working knowledge of available resources and provides education of resources and processes related to accessing behavioral health services, including Mobile Crisis Intervention Services (MCIS), to the family and related service providers. Documents and tracks coordination efforts, via computer based programming and communicates as indicated. Establishes relationships with related community-based advocacy and collaborative groups. Maintains professionalism and positive customer service approach with clients, team members and internal and external colleagues, agencies, providers and referral sources. Utilizes available trainings and staff development opportunities, to enhance knowledge and growth with the agency. Continues to develop knowledge and understanding about the history, traditions, values, family systems, and artistic expression of groups served as well as uses appropriate methodological approaches, skills, and techniques that reflect an understanding of culture.