Peer Counselor

Job Description

Job Function Summary:

Involves providing support, guidance and assistance for patients and families as they navigate through complex healthcare environments. Primary goals are to increase patient satisfaction and to optimize care and outcomes. Acts as a communication liaison to understand the patient's individual needs, desires, and concerns. Guides the patient and family to a broad range of services, amenities, and information to promote healing and ensure satisfaction with the patient care experience.

Custom Scope

The Patient Navigator will be assigned to the Citywide Peer Team. Citywide Case Management is a UCSF/ San Francisco General Hospital (SFGH) Department of Psychiatry outpatient program located at 1263 Mission Street, San Francisco. Its mission is to provide intensive case management services to adults who suffer from severe mental illness, co-occurring substance abuse disorders and many who also have chronic medical issues.

Under the supervision of the Vocational Rehabilitation Supervisor, Michelle Swain, the Patient Navigator will provide a range of support services to mentally ill clients including: supports community integration skills; provides individual support; applies personal experience as a consumer of mental health services; serves as a role model of recovery; assist client with seeking outside activities and encourage group participation, advocate for consumers, providing accompaniment when indicated to housing, financial, health and legal resources; manages work time effectively, efficiently and productively; works collaboratively with case managers and Wellness Team to provide first hand perspective of engagement in treatment; acts as a liaison with community programs; uses good problem solving skills; develops activities, programs and resources which support consumers; maintain client's records and documentation according to California, San Francisco City and County requirements. Other responsibilities involve monitoring milieu, facilitating therapeutic groups, coordinating and/or organizing client outings, cultural events, and other tasks related to the job.

Note: If this is a reclassification request or a replacement with significant changes, please briefly describe (no more than 2 paragraphs) the significant changes that have taken place since the position was last reviewed. Additionally, please provide a copy of the former job description for the position.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Please list: Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Req / Pref Understanding of mental health issues and sensitivity toward mental health clients Required Ability to follow oral and written instructions accurately Required Ability to work as part of a team, to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and work independently in a high-pressure environment Required Skills to comprehend and assess patient's grievances to quickly locate appropriate resource for assistance Required Ability to work with clients and program staff from diverse cultural and social class backgrounds Required Solid interpersonal and customer service skills. Ability to be diplomatic and highly organized. Ability to remain calm under pressure and apply sound judgement Required Able to lift 50lbs and climb stairs Required Good problem-solving skills Required Knowledge of computers and software including Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word Required Demonstrated excellent attendance and reliability Required Education, Licenses and Certifications: List Education, Licenses and Certifications a candidate must possess or meet to be considered for the position. You may also select any of these attributes as being preferred. These will be included in the job posting/advertisement and will be used to screen applicants. Education Req / Pref Bachelors degree and minimum one year of experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience Required Special Conditions of Employment: (Statements identifying the fundamental non-negotiable job conditions and/or requirements which an individual must meet to be eligible for the position. For example, the ability to pass a background check, work in a particular environmental setting, work a flexible or irregular work schedule, etc.) Problem Solving Common problems solved by the employee: - Identify and understand the social, health and homemaking needs of the client and communicate those needs to the social worker. In coordination with social worker; supports consumers in community integration goals; provides individual supportive counseling; applies personal experience as a consumer of mental health services; provides advocacy and accompaniment as needed. Less frequent and more complex problems solved by the employee: - Understand and utilize engagement and recovery model strategies to encourage clients to pursue activities Problems/situations that are referred to this employee's supervisor: - Increased client hospitalizations - Unable to stabilize client Management of Funds: Does this position require oversight or management funds? No