Peer Support Specialist, Buncombe & Henderson Counties, NC

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in North Carolina.

📋 Description

• Engage in outreach, education, and support for adults facing serious mental illness or persistent mental health challenges.

• Provide information to members and recipients regarding community-based mental health services and supported housing options, which include tenancy support services and rental assistance.

• Educate members and recipients about Medicaid, Special Assistance, North Carolina State Plan services, and state-funded programs.

• Fulfill minimum daily, weekly, and monthly requirements for outreach, transition, diversion, and informed decision-making.

• Manage the in-reach caseload, ensuring that each individual receives a visit from a Peer Support Specialist within 90 days.

• Organize face-to-face meetings with members, recipients, and their guardians concerning integrated supported housing and behavioral health services.

• Evaluate interest in supported housing and articulate its benefits and financial implications.

• Facilitate and accompany members and recipients on visits to permanent housing that includes tenancy rights.

• Address the concerns of members and recipients who express hesitance or uncertainty regarding supported housing options.

• Review housing preferences and connect individuals to ongoing outreach and available housing supports.

• Document activities and monitor outcomes, including refusals and lack of response.

• Participate in North Carolina state-level training, informational sessions, and committees related to the Transitions to Community Living Initiative.

• Collaborate with Transition Coordinators, care management, and other Vaya departments to facilitate seamless transitions.

• Perform additional duties as assigned.

⛳️ Requirements

• A high school diploma or GED is required.

• 1–2 years of experience working with the Mental Health/Substance Use population.

• Certification as a North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist is mandatory.

• Familiarity with recovery methods and person-centered approaches is essential.

• Strong customer service skills are necessary.

• Ability to build respectful relationships with individuals with disabilities and their families is crucial.

• Capable of interacting professionally and effectively with individuals who may be upset or in disagreement.

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, are required.

• Knowledge of laws, regulations, and policies that govern human services is advantageous.

• Understanding of Medicaid, Special Assistance benefits, clinical services, community supports, and supported housing is beneficial.

• Ability to work effectively as a team member and under the supervision of the Peer Support Specialist Manager.

• Residency in North Carolina or within 40 miles of the North Carolina border is required.

• Compliance with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and applicable confidentiality laws is mandatory.

• Completion of required confidentiality training and signing a confidentiality statement is necessary.

• Must be capable of performing required visual, physical, and sedentary work activities.

🏝️ Benefits

• Non-exempt status with eligibility for overtime pay.

• Additional training opportunities available post-hire, including Assertive Engagement, Motivational Interviewing, Active Listening Skills, and the RENEW Transition Model.

• We are an equal opportunity employer.