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Texas Health Institute

Peer Support Specialist

Texas Health Institute, Houston, Texas, United States, 77246

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Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale. Join us to start

Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

Primary Responsibilities

Use your own Recovery LIVED experience and training to assist families and consumers with defining their Recovery goals, and developing the skills and knowledge needed for the consumer's recovery

Experience working with consumers that have co-occurring Disorder, i.e., Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder

Support the creation and assist with the implementation of a comprehensive Training and Education program with peers, families, Providers and staff

Establish and maintain strong collaborative relationships with existing Consumer and Family organizations, so members of those organizations become actively involved with Optum/Health Plan activities

Communicate Plan information to consumers and Consumer-operated organizations and with families and family organizations. In addition to communicating, a wide array of other topics including Clinical policies, analysis of data and Program evaluation

Identify and outreach to community and leaders of ethnic minority groups to identify and develop programs that are both culturally competent and also use recovery and resiliency

As directed, serve as a designated member of Internal subcommittees

Participate in Optum and Health Plan Quality Review processes

Enable us to communicate effectively with consumers and their families about all aspects of the Mental Healthcare Delivery system as well as their rights and responsibilities

As requested, provide support to consumer or family members in making needed appointments

Work with the Clinical Program Managers and the Clinical team to implement intensive, enhanced care coordination when requested, which may include peer support as well as other community-based services designed to stabilize the consumer's condition, including working with the consumer in the development of a WRAP plan and a Crisis plan

Be available to provide direct support to consumers being discharged from 24-hour care or to refer them to a support group

Assist and support consumers and family members with Grievance processes

Collaborate with Care Managers, Providers, and Community agencies and organizations to facilitate access to and transition between services

Collaborate with Care Managers, providers, and community agencies and organizations to identify consumers who may benefit from peer support

Respond to concerns and questions from consumers and families

Participate in Treatment planning with consumers and families who request that support

Work with community agencies along with and/or on behalf of consumers and families

Provide feedback about Treatment planning development based on their interactions with other consumers and families

Advocate on behalf of the consumers and families

Provide peer support to consumers and family members at critical points in their treatment process

Enter documentation of all interactions into the documentation platform

Serve as liaison between Optum, the Health Plan and those who use services

Recruit and support consumers, parents and family members to participate in all phases of the operation of Optum and the Health Plan, from the Governing Body and Mental Health Advisory Board to Quality Assurance/Performance Improvement (QA/PI) Committees and all other critical initiatives

Extensive work experience within own function

Works independently

May act as a resource for others

Performs other duties as assigned

Benefits and Reasons to Consider Working for UnitedHealth Group

Paid Time Off which you start to accrue with your first pay period plus 8 Paid Holidays

Medical Plan options along with participation in a Health Spending Account or a Health Saving account

Dental, Vision, Life & AD&D Insurance along with Short-term disability and Long-Term Disability coverage

401(k) Savings Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Education Reimbursement

Employee Discounts

Employee Assistance Program

Employee Referral Bonus Program

Voluntary Benefits (pet insurance, legal insurance, LTC Insurance, etc.)

More information can be downloaded at: http://uhg.hr/uhgbenefits

Required Qualifications

High School Diploma/GED (or higher) or 4+ years case management experience

Possess active/current Certified Peer Recovery Specialist or Certified Peer Support Specialist certification in the state of Texas OR be able to obtain Peer Support Specialist certification within 12 months of employment

1+ years of working knowledge of community resources

1+ years of experience demonstrated understanding of the principles of recovery and resiliency and own lived experience

1+ years of computer proficiency experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook) and be able to access multiple web applications

Reside within a commutable distance to Houston, TX and surrounding communities in Texas and reside within the state of Texas

Ability to travel 75% of the time within 60 miles of territory assigned and Reliable transportation, with a current and non-restricted state of Texas Driver's License and State-required insurance

Access to a designated quiet workspace in your home (separated from non-workspace areas) with the ability to secure Protected Health Information (PHI)

Live in a location that can receive a UnitedHealth Group approved high‑speed internet connection or leverage an existing high‑speed internet service

Preferred Qualifications

Associates degree or higher

Completion of Whole Health Action Management Training

Ability to facilitate training events

Soft Skills

Ability to work independently and maintain good judgment and accountability

Demonstrated ability to work well with health care team

Strong organizational and time management skills

Ability to multi‑task and prioritize tasks to meet all deadlines

Ability to work well under pressure in a fast‑paced environment

Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to speak clearly and concisely, conveying information in a manner that others can understand, as well as ability to understand and interpret information from others

*All Telecommuters will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy.

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The hourly pay for this role will range from $20.00 to $35.72 per hour based on full‑time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone—of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location, and income—deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups, and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes—an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.

UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

UnitedHealth Group is a drug‑free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.

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