Certified Peer Specialist; CPS - Gwinnett Co. Jail In-Reach Program - Lawrenceville, GA.

Overview

Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) - Gwinnett Co. Jail In-Reach Program - Lawrenceville, GA. (Security)

View Point Health is a community behavioral health center utilizing a team of psychiatrists, nurses, licensed counselors and social workers, as well as other professionals to provide services to individuals who need treatment and support to cope with mental illness, substance abuse, and intellectual and developmental disabilities. View Point Health serves uninsured, underinsured, low-income Medicaid, Medicare, war veterans and some private insurance across multiple locations with a full continuum of behavioral health services and support.

View Point Health is partnering with the Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office and developing a Jail In-Reach Program. The program aims to embed a care coordinator and a forensic peer specialist in the jail to engage incarcerated individuals with behavioral health challenges and help them develop an action plan to get out of jail and thrive in the community. This program will be implemented in the Gwinnett County Detention Center (GCDC) and will include two (2) View Point Health staff embedded in the Detention Center.

These staff include a Care Coordinator (e.g., Case Manager) and Forensic Peer Mentor (FPM) operating as the Jail In-reach Team.

The primary purpose of the program is to screen individuals incarcerated for behavioral health challenges. Those individuals with behavioral health needs will be paired with the Jail In-reach team to create and implement a strengths-based, post-release plan of care. The primary goal of the program is to reduce length of incarceration by identifying specific behavioral health needs and alleviate repeated incarcerations by implementing a plan of care that incorporates effective community-based services.

• Develop, implement, and regularly update individualized treatment/service plans.
• Utilize personal recovery experience as a tool in providing support to consumers in meeting daily recovery goals and during crisis episodes.
• Coordinate and monitor services including mental health treatment, substance use services, housing, medical care, employment, and other supports.
• Advocate for client access to resources, services, and benefits.
• Maintain regular contact with clients via community visits, office appointments, and phone check-ins.
• Facilitate access to emergency interventions when needed.
• Participate in case conferences, team meetings, and supervision sessions.
• Develops and maintains cooperative working relationships with community service providers.
• The community Care Coordinator participates in interdisciplinary case staffing and staff meetings.
• Perform brief mental health and substance use intake and screening.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in compliance with agency, state, and funding requirements.
• Collaborate with internal clinical staff, external providers, families, and legal representatives to ensure integrated care.
• Educate clients and families about mental health conditions, treatment options, and available supports.
• Crisis intervention and de-escalation as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

• High school diploma/GED and one (1) year of job-related experience in a social services-related position.
• Certified Peer Specialist in the State of Georgia, or eligible to become a CPS or with at least two years experience in the mental health field and three years experience working in a peer environment.
• Has been in Recovery from mental illness and/or substance use for at least three years and has had successful employment for at least two years.

• Minimum of 12 years experience in a mental health, social services, or community-based setting.
• Strong understanding of community mental health systems and recovery-oriented services.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Proficient in documentation and use of electronic health records (EHRs).
• Valid drivers license and reliable transportation (if travel is required).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience working with the Severe and Persistently Mentally Ill population, ACT teams, or individuals identified as being frequent users of ERs, Psychiatric Hospitals, Crisis Stabilization Units, and the criminal justice system.
• Case management experience.
• Experience working in a high stressed, fast-paced environment with a very emotionally and physically changing population.
• Experience working in multi-disciplinary teams.
• Ability to multi-task and manage time.
• Ability to read, write, and speak fluently in English & Spanish (Bilingual).

• Positions require the ability to do any of the following at any given time including but not limited to: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, running, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing…