The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD (“The HARRIS CENTER”) is looking for Peer Bridger to join our Crisis Peer Respite Team. Under the direct supervision of the Crisis Peer Respite Team Lead and the general supervision of the Crisis Peer Respite Program Director, the Peer Bridger provides peer support and recovery-oriented services to guests during their stay and while they are transitioning out of the Respite. Services include, but are not limited to: assisting guests to begin implementing their recovery plans in the community; introducing guests to the peer community; acting as role models who share personal strengths and skills and the hope and belief that recovery is possible; advocating for guests within The Harris Center and with services throughout the community; educating guests about the array of social and medical services available in the community; assisting guests to link with local service providers, including health care providers; conducting research in the community to identify current resources such as substance use treatment services, housing, food, clothing, and support groups; accompanying guests to support group meetings, such as Prosumers, MHA, NAMI and 12-step meetings as appropriate; introducing guests to the various clubhouse programs in the community; assisting with linkage to any vocational services available and appropriate; assisting guests in identifying and accessing meaningful activities relevant to recovery and well-being; assisting guests with identifying and/or re-engaging with family, friends and other natural supports; and providing Peer Navigator services at the Respite house, as needed.

What you will do:

• Develops substantial knowledge and information about community resources at all levels that will assist guests in re-engaging in the community.
• Provides assistance in identifying and linking to community-based services and supports such as: primary care; mental health and/or substance abuse treatment; housing; and financial benefits and/or employment and other meaningful activity.
• Helps with identifying and/or re-engaging with family, friends and other natural supports.
• Provides education and resources that support wellness self-management, self-determination, and self-advocacy and shared health care decision-making.
• Offers educational groups at the Respite house regarding wellness plans and community resources.
• May assists in interviews to determine whether prospective guests are truly voluntary and appropriate for the respite setting.
• Works with guests to identify strengths, wellness and recovery goals and specific objectives to carry out goals.
• Works to increase level of culturally sensitivity, awareness and competency regarding person-centered and peer-delivered services.
• Demonstrates a basic understanding of how trauma impacts the lives of the guests, so that every interaction is consistent with the recovery process and reduces the possibility of retraumatization.
• Shares her/his own recovery story as appropriate and works toward recovery in concert with guests.
• Coordinates and consults with other team members to keep team informed of issues and progress.
• Attends weekly supervision with the Team Lead and/or Director and seeks additional supervision whenever necessary.
• Participates in team meetings and group supervision as required.
• Ensures timely completion of all necessary paperwork.
• Has strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Completes all required Agency training.
• Immediately reports concerns about high-risk behavior/thinking of guests to Team Lead and Program Director.
• Must have a valid TX. Driver’s license.
• Must be willing and able to transport guests to link with community resources, including scheduled appointments.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

What qualifications you will need:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Must be a Certified Peer Specialist / have equivalent certification or must take the Certified Peer Specialist training within 8 months of hiring.
• Must have history of mental health issues
• Must demonstrate lived personal experience of recovery
• Must have at least 1 year of recovery
• Experience working with individuals with mental health issues preferred
• Knowledge of the recovery process and the ability to facilitate recovery, both working one-to-one with individuals and in groups.
• Knowledge and skill to teach and engage in basic problem identification and solving strategies to support individuals in self-directed recovery.
• Basic knowledge of the signs and symptoms of mental health issues (e.g. auditory and visual hallucinations, aggression, self-harm) and the ability to assist clients in managing their symptoms.
• Substantial and demonstrable knowledge of community resources accessible to guests to promote their recovery processes.
• Ability to assist in the management of a residential milieu
• Ability to engage with guests in one-to-one and group formats
• Ability to teach guests how to access community resources
• Ability to use basic de-escalation skills
• Valid TX. Driver’s license. Some driving will be required to link guests with community resources including appointments.

What we have to offer:

The HARRIS CENTER offers competitive salary, excellent benefits package, retirement plans with company matching, prior service credit towards generous PTO accrual, outstanding wellness programs and professional development.

Employees can also take advantage of business casual dress code, corporate discounts, and gym memberships. New hire referral bonus, discounts are also available on an optional basis. These include mobile phone service, fitness centers and other wellness amenities.

What else you should know:

This posting is associated with position #10208

About us:

The HARRIS CENTER is the state-designated Local Mental Health Authority and Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Authority serving Harris County, Texas. As the largest behavioral and developmental disability care center in Texas, The HARRIS CENTER provided care to over 79,000 people in fiscal year 2019 and has an annual budget of over $275 million.

As part of its mission to transform the lives of people with behavioral health and IDD needs in the third largest county in the United States, The HARRIS CENTER provides a full continuum of services at 86 different sites across Harris County. In addition, services are provided in more than 42 different languages as well as sign language in order to better serve what is one of the most diverse and multi-cultural communities in the nation.

By utilizing the unique expertise of its more than 2,300 employees, The HARRIS CENTER is committed to meeting the behavioral health and IDD needs of Harris County residents and giving them hope to live to their fullest potential.