LOCATION: Remote – must live in or near Vaya’s catchment area. The person in this role must live in North Carolina or within 40 miles of the North Carolina border. This position supports Alamance, Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Caldwell, Caswell, Chatham, Franklin, Granville, Person, Rockingham, Rowan, Stokes, Vance, Wilkes, and Watauga counties.
GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB
Peer Support Specialist (PSS) Manager is responsible for the supervision and oversight of the Peer Support Specialists that provide proactive intervention and coordination services to persons residing in institutionalized settings prior to their transition to home and community-based services. This is a mobile position with work done in a variety of locations.
Note: This position requires access to, and use of confidential healthcare information or protected health information (PHI) as described in laws addressing patient confidentiality, including, but not limited to, the federal HIPAA law, the Confidentiality of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Patient Records law, 42 CFR Part 2, and various state laws. As such, the individual filling this position shall be required to be trained regarding such laws and shall be required to observe those laws in his/her capacity as an employee of Vaya Health. The individual filling this position shall also sign a confidentiality statement as an employee of Vaya Health.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
In-Reach Oversight and Planning:
The Peer Support Specialist Manager ensures the Peer Support Specialists address the needs of the member/recipient who wish to move to a more inclusive setting from an adult care home or state psychiatric hospital setting and are provided with necessary services and supports. The Manager – Peer Support Specialists would accomplish this by developing program guidelines and unit trainings in conjunction with Transition & Housing department leadership. The job entails participation in meetings and may involve periodic standing participation in Vaya Health projects or committees. Furthermore, at the direction of their supervisor, the Manager – Peer Support Specialists would aid in Vaya Health policy and attend and participate in external statewide workgroups and trainings. The Peer Support Specialist Manager is supervised by the Transition and Housing Director, and as instructed provides all necessary data, reports or other documentation needed to meet in-reach and other requirements. This position collaborates with Human Resources to recruit for vacancies within the unit and is responsible for screening applications, interviewing candidates, selecting the best-qualified candidate and documenting the selection process. This position is responsible for verifying and approving timesheets and requests for time off and overtime, if applicable, as well as travel/training requests. This position addresses performance issues through the disciplinary process, with the assistance of Human Resources and is responsible for documenting performance as needed, but at least annually. This position is responsible for assignment of tasks to Peer Support Specialists, and outlining the tasks, specifications, completion timelines, and task assignment deliverables.
Collaboration:
The Peer Support Specialist Manager will have ongoing, respectful communication with all members/recipients involved in the in-reach process. The Peer Support Specialist Manager will work closely with Transition Coordination Supervisors, Transition Coordinators, Peer Support staff, TCM, and other Vaya departments necessary to create, implement and fulfill successful in-reach with member/recipient. The Peer Support Specialist Manager will also be involved in education with members/recipients, families, providers, and stakeholders associated with Transition to Community Living as needed. Collaboration may include development of training resources locally and statewide. Communication regarding micro and macro level issues with NC Division of Mental Health/Substance Use/Developmental Disabilities may be involved.
Other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL & ABILITIES
The Peer Support Specialist Manager will have advanced knowledge of the methods and principles of recovery and person-centered thinking, as well as good customer service skills. The Peer Support Specialist Manager will be able to assess a Peer Support Specialist’s skill, set their professional goals, and aid in their professional development. The PSS Manager will have excellent communication skills with groups and individuals and an ability to establish appropriate and respectful relationships/partnerships with persons with a wide range of disabilities and their families. The Manager – Peer Support Specialists will be able to interact professionally and effectively with persons who are upset or disagree and be able to establish rapport with members/recipients and their collaterals. The PSS Manager will maintain advanced knowledge of the laws, regulations, and policies which govern human services, and Vaya Health. Furthermore, a PSS Manager will also be knowledgeable about Medicaid and Special Assistance benefits, available clinical services, community supports, supportive housing, supported employment, and other social determinants of person-centered healthcare. The PSS Manager will express ideas clearly and concisely orally and in writing, and effectively work as a team member with other Vaya Health leadership.
The PSS Manager is expected to attend additional training which can be obtained after hire, in the following skills sets: Assertive Engagement, Motivational Interviewing, Active Listening Skills and other relevant methods of engagement.
The PSS Manager must be detail oriented, able to organize multiple tasks and priorities, and to effectively manage projects from start to finish. Work activities quickly change according to mandated changes and changing priorities within the department. The employee must be able to change the focus of his/her activities to meet changing priorities.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office products (such as Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.) and Vaya information system is required.
QUALIFICATIONS & EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
- A Bachelor’s Degree and 3-5 years of experience working with the MH/SU population
OR
- A High School Diploma or Associate’s Degree with a Waiver from the Department and 5 years of experience working with the MH/SU population
Preferred Work Experience:
At least 5 years of experience working with the MH/SU population is preferred.
Licensure/Certification Required:
The Peer Support Specialist Manager must hold current certification as a North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist (NCCPSS).
Waiver (if applicable, for those who do not meet the Bachelor’s Degree requirements): The Department will grant a one‐time staff exception (‘grandfathering’) for specified PIHP staff that:
- Were employed in the role of Care Manager and Care Management Supervisor at the time of BH I/DD Tailored Plan Contract Award (July 26, 2021).
- This exception is based on the staff enrollee possession the required number of years of experience, but not the required degree, degree type or licensure type.
MENTAL/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Close visual acuity to perform activities such as preparation and analysis of documents; viewing a computer terminal; and extensive reading.
- Physical activity in this position includes crouching, reaching, walking, talking, hearing and repetitive motion of hands, wrists and fingers.
- Sedentary work with lifting requirements up to 10 pounds, sitting for extended periods of time.
- Mental concentration is required in all aspects of work.
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: The person in this position is required to reside in North Carolina or within 40 miles of the North Carolina border.
SALARY: Depending on qualifications & experience of candidate. This position is exempt and is not eligible for overtime compensation.
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: Open Until Filled
APPLY: Vaya Health accepts online applications in our Career Center, please visit https://www.vayahealth.com/about/careers/.
Vaya Health is an equal opportunity employer.
