PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST(Health Technician GS 7)

Incumbent is assigned as a Peer Support Specialist to the Psychosocial Resource Center. Incumbent participates in interdisciplinary team for treatment and is responsible for effective and efficient operation in provision of a recovery environment to consumers with serious mental illness (SMI) and possible co-morbid problems. At the GS 7 level, incumbent is also responsible for maintenance and operation of all facets of the volunteer peer support program, including provision of training of new volunteer peer supports.

I. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES

A. The incumbent provides an important point of contact for consumers with SMI and acts as key avenue of access to services provided by the Psychosocial Resource Center. The incumbent may also act as an avenue of access to community resources if necessary. In so doing, the incumbent will receive and respond to numbers of unclear inquiries from patients concerning a variety of medical, personal and administrative matters. Determines the nature of the inquiry and independently responds to all questions. May accompany the consumer or family member as an escort, and may provide transportation if needed. May assist patients, visitors, and other requesting information, guidance or referral for special assistance.

B. Provides supportive assistance to this specialized treatment program. Performs direct support work including personal care which may be delivered individually or in groups. Such care is educational and supportive in nature and may consist of printed material, audio-visual or modular material. The incumbent is expected to use his/her own experiences with recovery as a vehicle to establish rapport and relationship building with the consumer or family member. May provide visits to consumers in community settings and may organize a variety of small group activities in the community. When necessary, the incumbent may act as an advocate for the consumer. In all cases, the Peer Support Specialist models living skills and communication skills for consumers. The incumbent monitors consumers’ actions and identifies and reports data relative to more complex, non-routine clinical situations including sudden, unexplained changes in behavior or condition. Documents in the medical record.

C. The Peer Support Specialist may assist consumers and family members in times of crisis by providing information on access to resources and enabling the consumer or family member to access needed resources at such times. In this role, the incumbent will coordinate with all necessary clinical services and facilitate referral to appropriate staff.

D. The incumbent is actively involved in development of the peer support training program, in evaluative/outcome analysis of the program and in training of veterans wishing to provide peer support services throughout the medical center.

II. FACTOR 1. KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION;

A. Practical knowledge of standard procedures using any one of several technical procedures. Skill in the operation and use of specialized procedures and materials. Thorough knowledge of community resources and recovery philosophy and literature.

B. Knowledge about psychosocial rehabilitation and the recovery model is essential.

C. Knowledge of personal resources necessary to deal with recovery from serious mental illness.

D. Knowledge and skills sufficient to use community resources necessary for independent living and to teach those skills to consumers with a serious mental illness.

III. FACTOR 2. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:

A. The supervisor assigns the employee to work area and expects the employee to independently complete assignments. The employee plans and carries out the successive steps and handles problems and deviations in work assignments in accordance with standard practices and written procedures. Unusual problems that develop are referred to the supervisor for assistance.

IV. FACTOR 3. GUIDELINES:

A. Guidelines include operating policies and practices of the clinic; accepted materials, procedures and techniques; facility publications. The employee uses judgment in selecting and adapting techniques, procedures and materials most appropriate for the specific condition of each patient. Situations requiring deviations from the guidelines are referred to the higher-grade technician.

B. This job has little precedent in the VA and standard procedures may need to be modified as developments happen.

V. FACTOR 4. COMPLEXITY:

A. The work follows a sequence of steps or processes that the employee can follow without supervisory assistance. Decisions regarding what needs to be done involve various choices requiring the employee to recognize the differences among a few easily recognizable, specified alternatives. At this level, the employee must adjust both peer support interaction style and methods of instruction to suit the unique needs of those populations served.

VI. FACTOR 5.SCOPE AND EFFECT:

A. The work involves the performance of a variety of routine, standardized tasks that facilitate work performed by higher level technicians, and contributes to a base of patient care provided by the facility.

VII. FACTOR 6.PERSONAL CONTACTS:

A. Contacts are with consumers, their family, personnel within the facility and with community agencies as necessary.

VIII. FACTOR 7. PURPOSE OF CONTACTS:

A. The purpose of contacts with consumers is to exchange information and in so doing, assist consumers in achieving their recovery goals. Contacts with family are for intervention or providing education that will help the consumer’s recovery plan. Contacts with the treatment team are for the purpose of providing and receiving information concerning the consumer’s plan of care. Contact with the medical center personnel are for the purpose of increasing consumer access to services. Contacts within the community are for the purpose of assisting consumers in enhancing their independent living skills.

IX. FACTOR 8.PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

A. The work is primarily sedentary but also requires some standing, walking, bending, lifting and carrying of light items. The work requires above average agility and dexterity. The work may require heavy lifting of equipment or patients and may involve driving a government car or van.

X. FACTOR 9. WORK ENVIRONMENT:

A. The work environment includes a wide range of settings and involves risks typically associated with these setting. Setting may include the medical center, the consumer’s home, community based settings and transport vehicles. Work involves regular and recurring exposure to moderate risks or discomforts that require special safety precautions.

Other Significant Facts

Customer Service

Meets the needs of customers while supporting VA missions. Consistently communicates and treats customers (veterans, their representatives, visitors, and all VA staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. Provides the customer with consistent information according to established policies and procedures. Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately.

ADP Security

Protects printed and electronic files containing sensitive data in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws, federal regulations, VA statutes and policy, and VHA policy. Protects the data from unauthorized release or from loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion. Follows applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etc., as set out in the computer access agreement that the employee signs