The CSU Peer Recovery Specialist (PRS) is supervised by the Manager, Outpatient Nursing Services Psychiatry and CSU and provides care to patients in crisis utilizing the Robert Young Center principles of Trauma Informed Care.  The PRS provides acute care to individuals who are experiencing a psychiatric crisis and uses their own unique, life-altering experience in order to guide and support others who are in some form of recovery. The PSR promotes hope through positive self-disclosure, they role model self-care and the effective use of recovery skills, and they help patients overcome discrimination, stigma and/or trauma.  They assist patients in obtaining resources, overcoming barriers, and building protective factors. 

COVID-19 and Flu Vaccination Requirement: It is required to be vaccinated for COVID-19 and Influenza. Exemption requests based on medical or religious reasons may be submitted, but must be approved for active employment. 

Why UnityPoint Health?

• Culture – At UnityPoint Health, you Come for a fulfilling career and experience a culture guided by uncompromising values and unwavering belief in doing what's right for the people we serve.
• Benefits – Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options like 401K match, paid time off and education assistance that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in.
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commitment – We’re committed to ensuring you have a voice that is heard regardless of role, race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation.
• Development – We believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is an essential part of delivering a remarkable employment experience.
• Community Involvement – Be an essential part of our core purpose—to improve the health of the people and communities we serve.

Visit us at UnityPoint.org/careers to hear more from our team members about why UnityPoint Health is a great place to work. https://dayinthelife.unitypoint.org

Crisis Counseling Support

• The PRS uses their personal experiences to develop meaningful and trusting relationships with patients and set an example of what patients can strive for in their recovery.  They provide crisis counseling to patients and families, excel in de-escalation techniques, and assist with developing and implementing recovery plans.

Coordination of Patient Logistics

• The PRS handles some of the logistics of patient arrival and departure. This includes arranging transportation for the patient, managing follow-up appointments, and facilitating transfers to outside hospitals.  They may also assist with obtaining insurance authorizations.

Advocacy

• The Peer Support Specialist works to build a community of both patients and staff that is supportive and conducive to patient growth and recovery. Through mentoring, they help patients regain a sufficient level of functioning so that they are able to resume advocating for themselves.

Referral

• After an assessment by a crisis clinician, the PRS helps facilitate referrals for the patient to the appropriate resource for continued assistance and treatment.  They link patients with RYC services and various community organizations to provide support, particularly during transition from recovery back into the general community. This can include continued healthcare, housing, job assistance, and additional treatment services as well as support in the task of finding or re-integrating with friends, family, and outside communities. 

Clinical Excellence

• Utilizes peer mentoring and support, Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) facilitation, access to National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and their signature programs (Peer Connections, In Our Own Voice, Family to Family) to motivate clients towards wellness and recovery goals.
• Maintains accurate, concise, current clinical documentation.
• Integrates ethical principles, evidence-based practice, and research findings into all areas of practice.
• Establishes and maintains good working relationships with the medical, educational, and the social services community.

Education:

• Minimum Requirements: Eligibility as determined by the Illinois Register Department of Healthcare and Family Services 89 Ill. Adm. Code 140 by at least one of the following qualifications: Requires a high school diploma or GED and a minimum of five years documented clinical experience in mental health or human services; or An individual possessing a certificate of psychiatric rehabilitation from a DHS-approved program, plus a high school diploma or GED, plus two years' documented experience in providing mental health services required. 
• Preferred: Illinois Register Department of Healthcare and Family Services 89 Ill. Adm. Code 140: An individual possessing a bachelor's degree in counseling and guidance, rehabilitation counseling, social work, education, vocational counseling, Psychology, pastoral counseling, family therapy, or a related human service field; or An individual possessing a bachelor's degree in any field, other than those identified in subsection (b)(4)(D), with two years of documented clinical experience in a mental health setting under the supervision of a QMHP; or A practical nurse who holds a valid license in the state of practice and is legally authorized under state law or rule to practice as a practical nurse, so long as that practice is not in conflict with the Illinois Nurse Practice Act; or A recovery support specialist with a current certification from the Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association, Inc.; or A family partnership professional with current certification from the Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association, Inc.; or An occupational therapy assistant with at least one year of experience in a mental health setting that holds a valid license in the state of practice and is legally authorized under state law or rule to practice as an occupational therapist assistant, so long as that practice is not in conflict with the Illinois Occupational Therapy Practice Act. In the event the state of practice does not provide a legal authority for licensure, the individual must meet the requirements of 42 CFR 484.4 for an occupational therapist.

Experience: Must able to read, write, and communicate effectively. Must have a lived experience with mental illness. Prefer two years supervised experience in mental health or human services.

License(s)/Certification(s): Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) training within 6 months of hire.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Demonstrated ability to apply critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to a wide range of client situations. Able to accurately collect and assess information, understand ethical standards of behavioral healthcare, and utilize teaching/learning theories. Demonstrated excellent communication skills (orally and in writing) and presents self in a professional manner. Able to establish effective consultative relationship with health care providers, outside agencies, co-workers, and the community. Able to work sensitively with clients. Able to handle multiple priorities, maintain composure under stress, and adapt to a fast paced changing environment.

Proficiency in the use of computer programs including Microsoft Office and Electronic Medical Record (EMR) applications