Peer Recovery Coach
University of Maryland Medical System

Job Requirements

General Summary:

Under general supervision of a licensed clinician the Peer Recovery Coach provides non-clinical services intended to aid patients in establishing recovery from living live with a serious and persistent mental illness and /or the high risk of dependent alcohol and drug use problems. The Peer Recovery Coach will work as part of the assigned program's treatment team to provide peer support and motivation to encourage patients who are seeking treatment for mental illness or for alcohol or drug dependency and addiction issues. The Peer Recovery Coach will assist in completing referrals to treatment services and developing service plans to promote successful linkage to treatment services. The establishment of a recovery plan designed to work towards the client's goals of living life independently in a community of their choosing in a productive and contributing way is the ultimate purpose.

Principal Responsibilities and Tasks

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

1. Duties related to a mental health/addiction disorders:
2. Conducts screening interviews and administers surveys to assess early presentation of problems to the clinical service.
3. Gathers historical information using structured interviews for past mental health or addictions problems, treatment and current interest in receiving treatment.
4. Acts as a peer support throughout the hospitalization and post-discharge when acute care is necessary and as appropriate to facilitate attainment of goals.
5. Models coping techniques and self-help strategies.
6. Connecting to Community Resources:
7. Gathers information of client access to existing or need for additional community support services and facilitates these connections when indicated.
8. Assists patient and family with understanding how to utilize these community support services.
9. Assists patients in linking to community support services, mental health and substance treatment services including securing appointment and transportation.
10. Provides family members with recovery support materials.
11. Provides telephone outreach to patients to assist with linkages and continued peer support
12. Identifies patient's readiness to change and use motivational interviewing techniques and other communication skills to support a plan for treatment engagement and reducing or eliminating harmful drug and/or alcohol use in the case of a substance use disorder.
13. Team Member Participation:
14. Participates in trainings to continually gain new skills.
15. Attends required staff and other meetings.
16. Completes required documentation and other reports to facilitate accurate data reporting in the program.
17. Acts as a resource to other clinical team members on recovery support.
18. Consults with nursing staff, social work other team members as needed to facilitate addressing the needs of the client.
19. Works in collaboration with patient's treatment team to ensure that patient receives appropriate and timely Recovery focused interventions.
20. Provides outreach services including telephoning s treatment providers to verify patient showed up for scheduled appointments; and follow-up by telephone with any patient that misses an appointment.
21. Documentation:
22. Documents appropriate information from assessments, individual contacts, family interventions and discharge planning according to department policy and procedures and State, Federal, and Joint Commission stipulated requirements.
23. Maintains confidentiality in accordance with hospital and departmental policy and professional standards. May accompany patients to obtain benefits, entitlement or other services.
24. Develops a social service network with city, state or other governmental services that serve the needs of the assigned patient population, to assist patients in obtaining such services as, food stamps and other financial supports and assistance in obtaining transitional housing.
25. Career Development:
26. Actively examines peer specialist practice and seeks self-improvement through use of supervision, peer consultation, or other methods to develop therapeutic knowledge and skills.
27. Participates in the training and education of allied health professionals in the hospital and/or in the community.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1. Knowledge of Peer Recovery Coach practices, with individuals, family and in group settings.
2. The incumbent must be able to read, interpret documents and write routine reports. Basic computer skills are required.
3. The Peer Recovery Coach must demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to relate to patients and health professionals, as well as good problem solving skills. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate a willingness to learn and an interest in acquiring new skills.
4. Chart documentation, community referrals, and effective networking techniques to coordinate services for patients outside of the hospital.
5. Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide services appropriate to the patient population(s) served.

Patient Safety:

Ensures patient safety in the performance of job functions and through participation in hospital, department or unit patient safety initiatives.

1. Takes action to correct observed risks to patient safety.
2. Reports adverse events and near misses to appropriate management authority.
3. Identifies possible risks in processes, procedures, devices and communicates the same to those in charge.

Education and Experience:

1. High school diploma or G.E.D. is preferred. The Applicant must self-identify as a person in long-term recovery from the effects of a behavioral health disorder (i.e. mental health and/or substance use disorder) for a period of two years or more.

Additional Information:

1. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
2. Work Schedule: Varies -6 am-2:30 pm, 8 am- 4:30 pm, 1-9:30 pm, and every other weekend

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