Peer Specialist - Homeless Services Outreach en Aurora Mental Health & Recovery

Description

The homeless services team at Aurora Mental Health & Recovery (AMHR) is a dynamic interdisciplinary group of peer specialists, case managers, therapists, housing navigators, and client service representatives. We are actively building a cohesive, collaborative team focused on expanding and enhancing our services and programs for homeless individuals. By leveraging diverse expertise and fostering collaborative efforts, we aim to provide comprehensive support that addresses the multifaceted needs of our clients with empathy and effectiveness. Together, we are dedicated to expanding our services and developing meaningful programs that make a positive impact on the lives of homeless individuals in our community.

We are seeking a Peer Specialist who is centered, supportive, and recovery-oriented. As an Outreach Peer Specialist, you will provide support, guidance, and resources to individuals facing mental health or substance use challenges. Leveraging your own lived experience, you will connect with clients on a personal level, offering empathy, understanding, and inspiring hope. Your responsibilities will include engaging with the community to identify individuals in need, facilitating access to treatment and social services, and providing ongoing emotional support. You will work closely with the interdisciplinary PATHways to Home team, healthcare providers, and community organizations to ensure clients receive comprehensive care while advocating for their needs and promoting recovery-oriented practices. This role involves completing 20 hours of community and street outreach weekly, as well as assisting with the team's Drop-In program on-site, providing peer guidance and case management.

Salary for this role. Starting wage is based on experience and company equity. Paid bi-weekly.

• $20.04 to $30.05 per hour

Schedule: Half of your time will be spent on-site, while the other half will be dedicated to community and street outreach. We offer flexible scheduling with options for 5x8 shifts (8:30 am - 5:00 pm) or 4x10 shifts (8:00 am - 6:30 pm).

Bilingual Language Differential Pay. *rate depends on language requirements for the position and the candidate's fluency.

• Will receive scheduled earnings on a bi-weekly basis, 5% of their regular base rate (hourly or salaried), to a maximum amount of $3,000.00 per calendar year. *the annual maximum amount will be prorated based on full-time equivalency (FTE).

Essential Functions:

• Assist clients in articulating personal goals for recovery through one-to-one meetings and group sessions.
• Support clients in identifying and creating goals and developing recovery plans with the skills, strengths, supports, and resources to aid them in achieving those goals.
• Provide follow-up services with clients after their admission or assessment with Crisis Services, to help ensure successful transition to community-based services.
• Assist client in working with their case manager or treatment team in determining the steps s/he need to take to achieve these goals and self-directed recovery.
• Meet with clients in a wide range of settings, including client, group, or family homes, in community-based outpatient settings, and community agencies.
• Assist clients in obtaining services that suit the individual's recovery needs by providing community resources and groups that may be useful. Inform clients about community and natural supports and how to use these in the recovery process.
• Promote working together and sharing of resources for clients in the community - food, clothing, transportation, recreation, medical, housing, shelters, and employment, as appropriate.
• Assist clinical staff in maintaining accurate data by outreaching clients and meeting with them one-to-one to ensure all forms are up-to-date and entered in the organization's electronic health record.
• Assist in navigation and advocacy with clients' appointments and attendance, including criminal justice proceedings, medical, and others needs.
• Staff member will monitor and coordinate care for assigned clients in partnership with the other members of the clients care team.

Qualifications

Requirements:

• High school diploma/GED.
• Lived experience with behavioral health concerns.
• Valid Colorado Drivers Licenses with a clean driving record. 
• Must possess a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or obtain one within 30 days of hire.
• Completion of a Clinical Peer Specialist or Peer Coach training course is required within 12 months of hire.
• Preferred: Clinical Peer Specialist certification.

Required Vaccination and TB Test.

At AMHR, the health and safety of our clients and staff are our top priorities. As part of this commitment, all employees are required to receive an annual influenza (flu) shot and present a negative TB test result before their first day of work. Proof of both the flu shot and a negative TB test must be provided on your first day of employment. Medical and religious exemptions can be requested if necessary.

Benefits:

• Health insurance: Kaiser
• Dental, vision, and flexible spending accounts (dependent care & health care)
• Company paid basic life and AD&D insurance
• Long-term disability coverage*
• 403(b) retirement plan which provides 100% vesting immediately, and matching contributions up to 4% after one year of employment
• Accrued Vacation pay up to 12 days and accrued Sick Pay up to 12 days per year, and 2 floating holidays (hours calculated pro-rata basis based on full-time equivalency)
• The company observes 11 designated holidays each year. Exception: Employees working in 24/7 programs or facilities are scheduled to work their regular shifts if the holiday falls on their scheduled workday. In these cases, employees will receive their regular pay for hours worked plus holiday pay.
• Employee Assistance Program
• Voluntary term life insurance
• Short term disability*

*Eligible for benefit if working 30 hours per week or more

Our Mission, Vision and Core Values.

Mission: Deeply rooted in our diverse community, we deliver state-of-the-art care and meaningful outcomes that impact emotional well-being and addiction recovery.

Vision: To foster hope and healing through compassionate, quality care.

Core Values: Passionate caring; Rising to the challenge; Honoring and respecting all persons; Believing in resilience; Putting clients and community first; Commitment to collaboration and teamwork

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Aurora Mental Health & Recovery and subsidiaries (AMHR) are dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age 40 and over, race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and length, protective hairstyles), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, color, religion, national origin, disability, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law. We do not tolerate discrimination in any form or context, including harassment or exclusion.

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