Basic Function:

　　The role of a Peer Counselor encompasses a broad range of support for patients, all of which have the person’s best interest in mind. The roles include advocacy, mentoring, active and compassionate listening, providing information, offering emotional support, validation, encouragement, sharing hopefulness and using one’s experience of success to serve as evidence of the possibility and likelihood of recovery.

　　Education/Experience Requirements:

　　Peer Counselors will have personal experience with mental health and a basic understanding of a variety of mental health diagnoses

　　High School diploma or GED preferred

　　Responsibilities:

　　Provide compassionate listening to individuals seeking crisis service in the emergency department, inpatient psychiatric units, forensic service, or Personalized Recovery Oriented Services (PROS)

　　Remain accessible to the assigned mental health service area by making presence known unless otherwise engaged in groups or other necessary functions

　　Use self-disclosure in a conscious manner, always and only for the benefit of patients. Peer Counselors may share relevant personal information selectively and with discretion. The intentional use of self-disclosure conveys understanding and projects hopefulness and encouragement

　　Engage with a diverse population with respect and patience and without judgment or criticism

　　Participate as an active part of the team. He/she will share information, mutual support and work in a collaborative and positive manner with co-workers. Peer Counselors will utilize supervision and team meetings to address areas of concern and to develop skills and effectiveness

　　Establish and maintain healthy, professional and HIPPA compliant boundaries in relationships with patients and other staff

　　Utilize opportunities for personal and professional growth and to further develop skills through trainings, observation, interactions with others and participation in team meetings and the peer community

　　Not participate in any interactions with patients which involve the use of physical or chemical force or restraint. In such situations, the Peer Counselor is expected to remove themselves from the vicinity and to support other patients in moving away from the incident and remaining calm

　　Adhere to all Ellis policies and expectations (dress code, smoking policy, health office mandates, etc.)

　　Salary Range: $15.08-$21.87/hour