Program Specialist - Lived Experience Research Lens

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES. The Program Specialist provides a wide range of administrative and program support activities for the Transformation Transfer Initiative (TTI), the Senior Operations, Project Director, and Senior Peer Support Coordinator, the DRSS and Legal Divisions, and other NASMHPD projects. This may include note taking, assistance with planning, coordination, and provision of high-quality technical assistance to individual states, territories, and the District of Columbia on a variety of public health topics for mental health and associated human service systems in response to needs identified by the state mental health authorities. The position will require using a lived experience lens to provide support in research, data, recovery outcomes, and guidance in the form of technical assistance to TTI Projects.

QUALIFICATIONS. Peer Certification (Recovery Coach, etc.) and three to five year’s direct experience working in, managing, or overseeing Certified Peer Support Specialist and/or Recovery Coaching training, services. AA degree and three to five years’ demonstrated work experience or Bachelor’s degree and one to three years of demonstrated work experience may substitute for Peer Certification (Recovery Coach, etc.) and Peer Support work experience.

Strong interest in public health, behavioral health, data, research and related research disciplines (health, education, technology, forensic science, criminology, psychology) preferred.

A personal philosophy that is person-centered, recovery oriented, and trauma informed, including using person-first language. Because of the nature of the position, the preferred candidate will be someone with lived experience in recovery from mental illness and/or addiction.

Hands-on experience with a variety of software programs including Microsoft Office (Word, Sharepoint,
PowerPoint, Excel) and Adobe Products.; Experience managing AV systems and equipment for diverse types of presentations (e.g., in-person PowerPoint presentations; webinars; tele-conferences; video-conferences).
Excellent communication skills, including ability to write and edit documents. Excellent phone manner and
ability to deal discretely, effectively and maturely with sensitive information. Must have strong skills in
coordinating tasks with others and exceptional skills in time management and organizational planning.
Excellent attention to detail is also essential. Must be able to work collaboratively with others as a “team
player,” and to have the flexibility to perform a diverse array of tasks.

Knowledge of the role of federal government and state/territory public offices in public mental health policy
development. Knowledge of state mental health systems and the issues confronting these organizations at the national and state level. Knowledge of effective TA techniques used in public mental health settings (e.g. longdistance learning, consensus-building conferences). Broad knowledge in mental health and substance- use disorder treatment and prevention services across the lifespan. Knowledge of state and federal Medicaid rules and requirements as they relate to the financing of peer support. Experience with and knowledge of state and local advocacy, advocacy methods and organizations. Expert knowledge in the principles and practices of wellness, recovery and resilience.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. NASMHPD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.