The Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH) is seeking an experienced and compassionate candidate in a position to p rovide one-to-one and group Peer Support to persons served to promote empowerment and self-determination. The CSC program is an exciting program primarily serving the Greater Fall River and Greater New Bedford Areas to meet the needs of young adults and families experiencing First Episode Psychosis. The selected candidate will offer advocacy in partnership with persons served by the Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) program. The Peer Specialist shares personal recovery experiences to inspire hope and to develop mutuality in peer-to-peer relationships via assistance and support for persons served in the development of useful tools for their personal recovery, such as Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP). Our applicant provides trauma-informed, person-centered community-based interventions that support Health & Wellness.

Please Note: This is a Part-Time 20-hour position. The schedule is Monday 11:30 AM - 6:00 PM, Wednesday 10:30 AM - 7:00 PM, Friday 11:30 AM - 6:00 Pm. The Days Off will be Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Provide duties of CSC team members as outlined in Navigate Team Members guide and supporting program participants through direct engagement and through advocating for them in the context of the team.

• Participates in initial consultations with new referrals and intake meetings to promote client centered voice in the process with team leader

• Provide one-to-one peer support to persons served to promote empowerment, self-determination, and personal wellness.

• Provide advocacy in partnership with persons served in individual or group settings

• Helps persons served along with the IRT clinician understand Navigate Team modules from a peer perspective

• Works with the family alongside the family clinicians to educate and implement Family Education components of treatment.

• Works alongside the Supported Employment & Education Specialist very frequently to help the client identify his or her personal preferences regarding work and school goals, including career interests, and then provides the necessary support to help the person achieve those goals

• Required to sit in on monthly IRT, Family, and SEES consults and supervisions provided by MAPNET

• Share personal recovery experiences to inspire hope, self-determination and to develop mutuality in peer-to-peer relationships.

• Assist persons served in the development of useful tools for their personal recovery, such as Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP).

• Provide support to persons served in group formats while exploring meaningful activities of wellness and community life.

• Advocate with persons served and support their development of self-advocacy skills.

• Attends school IEP meetings and supports families and clients.Collaborateswith DMH-contracted family support provider (Parent Information Network- PIN) to assist families navigate the school system when their child requires additional support

• Facilitate linkage to communities and networks that support the goals and aspirations of the person-served

• Provide outreach and engagement to participants outside of clinical settings, and forge working alliances with participants and families to help them navigate some of the more complex aspects of FEP.

• Attend staff meetings and serve on agency committees, project teams and work groups.

• Supports clients while they are completing MAPNET self-assessment outcomes measures

• Serve as a member of the CSC team and assist the person served in communicating their personal recovery plan and goals to the treatment team.

• Facilitates several groups including individual peer groups, parent and family groups and groups involving multi-disciplinary roles

• Work collaboratively with CSC Team to support a Recovery Model of service.

• Provide written/electronic documentation of person’s progress and steps towards achieving goals

• Transport or arrange transportation for persons served that need that level of service.

• Serve on the CSC team by attending regularly scheduled meetings and by actively participating in team discussions

• Responsible for assisting in the development and implementation of treatment plan in partnership with the person served.

• Responsible for attending all mandatory trainings and classes and completing mandatory annual DMH trainings.

• Responsible for reading & communicating all pertinent information and attending daily rounds and staff meetings and informing supervisor

or designee of any critical information.

License or Certification Requirements:

• Certified Peer Specialist through the Massachusetts Transformation Center or qualified as a Young Adult Peer Mentor through the CORE training program required

• Current and valid MA Class D Motor Vehicle Operator’s license or the equivalent from another state.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Multilingual fluency preferred

• Training/experience in Coordinated Specialty Care or another evidence-based model for working with young people experiencing First Episode Psychosis preferred

DMH Mission Statement:

The Department of Mental Health assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities. The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery. The Department sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights, and supports mental health training and research.

Pre-Hire Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

ADA Reasonable Accommodation:

If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact Human Resources at (800) 510-4122, Option 4.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent and (A) Peer certification through a recognized Certified Specialist Program and at least (B) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time experience as a Mental Health Coordinator in the mental health or health care field.

Based on assignment to a Family Support Specialist position applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent and (A) completion of an approved Professional Parent Advisory League (PAL) entry-level training as a Family Support Specialist and at least (B) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time experience as a Family Support Specialist.

Substitutions:

I. An Associates degree in psychology, human services, mental health or a closely related field may be substituted for six months of the required (B) experience.

II. A Bachelors degree or higher in psychology, human services, mental health or a closely related field may be substituted for one year of the required (B) experience.

Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid motor vehicle drivers license at a class level specific to assignment.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics?Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

Title 101 CMR 23.00 (“Regulation”) requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.