Community Health Center, Inc. (CHCI). CHC is one of the country’s most creative and dynamic providers of primary medical, dental and behavioral health services, and a leader in practice based research, health professionals training, and use of innovative technologies to advance health and health care.CHCI is designated as a federally qualified health center and a patient centered medical home by HRSA, the Joint Commission, and NCQA, respectively. WE deliver more than 500,000 patient visits per year from primary care hubs and community clinics across the state of Ct, all connected by technology and common standards for quality. We employ several hundred medical, dental, and behavioral health providers who are engaged in practice, teaching, and research. Our Weitzman Institute is devoted to research and practice transformation, and is recognized around the country as one of the premier research institutes focused on improving health care and health outcomes for special and vulnerable populations. In addition, the organization has developed three wholly owned subsidiaries from the original pilot developments within the Weitzman Institute, the National Nurse Practitioner Residency and Fellowship Training Consortium (NNPRFTC), the National Institute for Medical Assistant Advancement, and the Community eConsult Network.National Nurse Practitioner Residency and fellowship training Consortium, National Institute for the Advancement of Medical Assistants and the Community eConsult Network.

JOB SUMMARY

The Peer Outreach & Support Specialist will be a young adult with lived experience as an adolescent consumer in the mental health system and with training in peer advocacy. The main duties of the incumbent are to engage young people into treatment, support services, and advocacy activities; to conduct peer support groups; and to re-connect with individuals who appear to be disengaging from the process. In addition, the Peer Outreach & Support Specialist will serve as a Wraparound Team member, whenever appropriate. These duties are accomplished through the following responsibilities:

 

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Help to establish access point environment(s) that are youth-friendly, welcoming, and free of stigmatizing messages Assess child, youth and family strengths and needs
• Receive training in facilitating peer support groups from NAMI-CT, then organize and facilitate these groups. Also encourage and support the establishment of Youth Empowerment Groups, using the Youth Move National model, and a LETS (Let’s Erase The Stigma) model
• Recruit peers to help with school and community campaigns to educate people about mental illness and to fight stigma and discrimination, including bullying.
• Use social media to generate awareness and understanding of mental illnesses and available services.
• Follow up with inquiries about assistance with outreach, by making personal contact and welcoming involvement in any or all aspects of the program.
• Stay in touch with program participants, to ensure that their needs are being met and that they are aware of newly developed opportunities for involvement
• When participants appear to be disengaging based on non-attendance without explanation, reach out to them to check on their well-being and the reasons for their non-attendance
• When participants appear to need formal services but have not entered care, offer assistance and encouragement, and let them know how to get help in a crisis
• Maintain a log of program participants involved in peer-based activities, and document their service use. Conduct data collection as needed
• Receive training in Mental Health First Aid and Facilitation of Youth Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP), and periodically offer training in each model to interested youths
• When requested by the program participant, join the Wraparound team and provide input
• Other projects and assignments as necessitated by role

 

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School diploma or equivalent required
• Completion of and certificate from the Recovery University Peer Support Program preferred
• Knowledge of behavioral health issues
• Strong communication skills - oral, written and interpersonal
• Comfortability working in the community
• Ability to work a flexible schedule
• Proven ability to provide accurate documentation
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• CPR/First Aid certified or willing to become certified
• Ability to work independently
• Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation

 

Education
Associate of Arts (A.A.)