Aurora Mental Health Center (AuMHC) is seeking a Peer Specialist who is centered, supportive, and recovery oriented. You will work with people who are experiencing homelessness and having a substance use disorder. Additionally, you will provide milieu management and case management during Drop in. The Peer Specialist will perform a wide range of tasks to assist peers in regaining independence within the community and mastery over their own recovery process. This position will require being out in the communities.

Our Mission.

The Aurora Mental Health Center is dedicated to helping people Live Life to the Fullest. If you are passionate about our Core Values; Passionate Caring, Rising to the Challenge, Honoring and Respecting all Persons, Believe in Resilience and Putting Client and Community First, we would like to invite you to join our family!

About the team.

Community Connections is a peer-ran and peer-driven program that support clients in their recovery process. Programming is based in SAMSHA's 8 dimensions of wellness.

About the role.

We are looking for a Peer Specialist on our CSU team. This position is a peer position; people with lived experience with homelessness and mental health are strongly encouraged to apply. The Peer Specialist will perform a wide range of tasks to assist peers in regaining independence within the community and mastery over their own recovery process.

Responsibilities:

• 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 needs to take in order 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 individuals 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 collaboration and sharing of resources for clients in 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.
• Provide transportation for clients in personal vehicle and/or create access to services in another manner.
• 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.

Requirements:

• High school diploma/GED.
• Lived experience with behavioral health concerns.
• Completion of a Clinical peer specialist or peer coach course.
• Preferred: Clinical Peer Specialist certification.
• Valid Colorado Driver's License with a driving record that meets organization's requirements.
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Ability to use Microsoft Office programs and to learn and utilize electronic health record.
  • Ability to travel to various locations in metro area.
  • Ability to document interactions with clients.
  • Effective verbal and written communication.

Required Vaccinations and TB Test.

AuMHC has prioritized the health and safety of our clients and staff and requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, receive an annual influenza (flu) shot, and receive negative TB test results prior to their first day of hire. Proof of both vaccinations and negative TB test will be required upon your first day of employment. Medical and religious exemptions may be requested for either COVID 19 vaccine or annual flu shot.

Compensation, Benefits & Perks.

Starting Salary for this role (based on experience and company equity):

• $15.00 to $19.90 hourly

Additional Compensation Opportunities:

• Eligible for Shift Differential
• Language Differential Pay (For Bilingual Candidates): 5% of base salary up to $3,000/year

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, plus 10 Paid Company Holidays, and 2 floating holidays (hours calculated pro-rata basis based on full-time equivalency)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Voluntary term life insurance
• Short term disability*

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

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Aurora Mental Health Center (AuMHC) and subsidiaries 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, sex, color, religion, national origin, disability, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law. We are committed to maintaining an environment that respects the dignity of each individual in our community. We do not tolerate discrimination in any form or context including harassment or exclusion.

Diversity Statement.

We are committed to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and strive to ensure that it is interwoven into the fabric of our organization. We support and nourish an inclusive and welcoming environment for employees from diverse backgrounds.