Competencies 

 

Competency

Training Objective

In accordance with policies standards and best practices, the learner will be able to:

1. Initial intake and assessment 

Assess client’s personal, medical, emotional, social, and environmental situation 

Asses mental health needs as a first responder 

Identify client needs and potential crisis situations

Identify crisis situations and the appropriate response in accordance with organizational policies

2. Develop plan and strategies 

Coordinate and develop the establishment of an individual plan, goals, coping methods and strategies with the client, client’s support system, and other care providers as necessary

Develop a plan in collaboration with the client and support team

Recognize and act on opportunities to move clients to appropriate levels of care; provide referrals to additional services as indicated. 

 

3. Links to Community Resources and Support (Case Management)

Identify resources for clients  

Assist and advocate for clients in obtaining appropriate resources 

Cultivate contacts within agencies

 

Educate and assist clients with applying for entitlements; i.e. Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability Insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and LINK 

 

Coordinate intakes to medical appointments, therapy sessions support groups and other resources as required

 

Interface and collaborate with parole and probation as appropriate

 

Assist clients with reentry housing, homelessness, employment, substance use, budgeting, social support, and medication challenges

 

Advocate on client’s behalf and empower clients to advocate on behalf of themselves when appropriate

 

Assist clients in learning and improving independent living skills

 

4. Supportive Peer Counseling 

Meet with clients regularly to offer one on one peer support and counseling

Provide peer support and counseling both individually and in support groups

Work collaboratively with clients to identify coping skills to assist in managing symptoms and stressors experienced

 

Provide peer-oriented individual supportive counseling which includes coaching clients in communication skills such as engaging clients, active listening and conflict resolution.  

 

Facilitate support groups to use the group process to encourage the exchange the ideas and shared problem solving 

 

Model and coach clients through discussing shared lived experiences, challenges and successes. Model good communication skills, effective coping skills, and self-help strategies

 

Actively participate in Peer Support meetings and activities to gain additional support in position

Participate in peer support groups

Identify the symptoms of PICS (PTSD) and other mental health crises, coping strategies and refer to support systems

 

Assist in the development of social skills through understanding the application of basic conflict mediation, life coaching goal setting, restorative justice and counseling techniques

Assist clients in finding strategies to deal with the challenges of reentry 

Cultivate self-awareness and identify transference, and countertransference and biases that interfere with peer support through therapy

 

5. Crisis Intervention 

See objective above

Respond to immediate requests for assistance, critical incidences and client’s emergencies 

 

Provide on-call and crisis coverage as assigned

 

Assess for crisis situations and assist clients in identifying the signs and symptoms of crisis requiring further professional or medical care 

 

6. Administration

Complete notes, adding assistance and goals for clients in database (add documentation) 

 

Comply with all policies in terms of handing confidential and proprietary information

 

Use release of information when communicating with other agencies 

 

Actively participate and consult using a team model 

 

Communicate and consult effectively within the team model for a multi-disciplinary approach to client care within team meetings 

 

Perform other related duties and/or projects as assigned such as social supports or research into resources 

 

Use provided database to track clients, goals and notes

 

Bonus Optional Criteria

Acquire a CRSS or peer support or reentry specialist degree within 2 years of hire

Experience working with people with mental health and/or substance abuse diagnoses preferred Experience in community-based services preferred

 

High School Diploma or GED or Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in any field. 

 

Verifiable personal experience with psycho-social rehabilitation services, psychiatric disorders, substance abuse, and/or development disorders

 

Sustaining interest and compassion in working with adults with psychological, social and medical problems