Peer Counselor

Are you looking for a purpose-driven career? At Metrocare, we serve our neighbors with developmental or mental health challenges by helping them find lives that are meaningful and satisfying.

Metrocare is the largest provider of mental health services in North Texas, serving over 55,000 adults and children annually. For over 50 years, Metrocare has provided a broad array of services to people with mental health challenges and developmental disabilities.

In addition to behavioral health care, Metrocare provides primary care centers for adults and children, services for veterans and their families, accessible pharmacies, housing, and supportive social services.

Alongside clinical care, researchers and teachers from Metrocare’s Altshuler Center for Education & Research are advancing mental health beyond Dallas County while providing critical workforce to the state.

Job Description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The mission of Metrocare Services is to serve our neighbors with developmental or mental health challenges by helping them find lives that are meaningful and satisfying.

We are an agency committed to quality gender-responsive, trauma-informed care to individuals experiencing serious mental illness, development disabilities, and co-occurring disorders. Metrocare programs focus on the issues that matter most in the lives of the children, families and adults we serve. Add Description of Job and how it helps individuals served**

HOURS OF RESPONSIBILITY: Metrocare clinics are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a. m. to 5:00 p. m., except for the Hillside Adult Clinic, which is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a. m. to 8:00 p. m., and Saturday, 8:00 a. m. to 2:00 p. m.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions listed here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the job.

• Provide support to clients using personal experience
• Provide individual clinical sessions to consumers, either in the clinic or in the community
• Facilitate peer led group discussions around various clinical areas, including but not limited to, Crisis Management, Understanding Mental Illness, and Dual Diagnosis
• Engage and orient clients to clinical treatment
• Provide clinical services in accordance with TRR guidelines
• Document services accurately by close of next business day
• Participate in regular supervision, including monthly observational supervision
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and provide feedback on clients progress with treatment when appropriate

Lead Family Education Groups

Provide linkage to community supports for clients.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Competencies

The competencies listed here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Conducts job responsibilities in accordance with the ethical standards of conduct, state contract, appropriate professional standards and applicable state/federal laws

Analytical skills, professional acumen, business ethics, thorough understanding of continuous improvement processes, problem solving, respect for confidentiality, and excellent communication skills Knowledge of relevant laws, policies, and procedures

• Knowledge of formal and informal community supports
• Effective communication skills written and oral
• Pass all clinical competencies as outlined by TRR guidelines

Customer Service Approach to Clients

• Completion of Via Hope Training within 1 year of hire, including certification as a Certified Peer Specialist
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office products
• Above average typing ability

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

GED or High School Equivalent

Applicants must be a current or past consumer of mental health services. Experience in facilitating groups a plus.

Mathematical Skills

Basic math skills required.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out simple one or two-step instructions. Ability to deal with standardized situations with only occasional or no variables.

Computer Skills

Use computer, printer, and software programs necessary to the position (i. e., Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).

Ability to utilize Internet for resources.

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations

Current State of Texas Driver License or if you live in another state, must be currently licensed in that state. If licensed in another state, must obtain Texas Driver License within three (3) months of employment.

Liability insurance required if employee will operate personal vehicle on Center property or for Center business. Must be insurable by Centers liability carrier if employee operates a Center vehicle or drives personal car on Center business. Must have an acceptable driving record.

Clinical Competencies as outlines in the TRR guidelines

Certification as a Certified Peer Specialist within 1 year of employment

Benefits Information and Perks

Metrocare couldn’t have a great employee-first culture without great benefits. That’s why we offer a competitive salary, exceptional training, and an outstanding benefits package:

• Medical/Dental/Vision
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Retirement Plan, including employer matching
• Health Savings Account, including employer matching
• Professional Development allowance up to $2000 per year
• Bilingual Stipend – 6% of the base salary
• Many other benefits

Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Tobacco-Free Facilities - Metrocare is committed to promoting the health, well-being, and safety of Metrocare team members, guests, and individuals and families we serve while on the facility campuses. Therefore, Metrocare facilities and grounds are tobacco-free.

No Recruitment Agencies Please