PT Peer Recovery Support Coordinator Position at Mental Health America of Virginia - Posted 7.14

Salaried, starting at 20 hours/week

Application must be submitted by August 11th

Mental Health America of Virginia (MHAV) is a registered 501(c)(3) with a mission to educate, empower and advocate on behalf of individuals, organizations and communities to improve mental health. MHAV is creating a part-time position for a Peer Support Coordinator to be based in our Richmond office, starting at 20 hours with the potential to grow, based upon future funding. This position currently has no benefits.

Responsibilities of this position include:

• Provide support, information and networking  to peer specialists and recovery coaches  throughout the Commonwealth;
• Connect mentors and mentees, and notification of internship opportunities;
• Provide information on the certification status in Virginia;
• Facilitate focus and support groups as requested by peers throughout the state;
• Build database of peer support and recovery coaches, and
• Any other duties deemed appropriate to achieve the goals of the project.

The ideal candidate will have direct, personal experience using and/or working with mental health and/or substance abuse services and modeling principles of recovery and wellness. S/he will be an active, creative team member, offering support and assistance to ongoing projects. Basic computer skills and competence in Microsoft Office are required. This person will be able to work independently on projects and meet deadlines. The ability to demonstrate knowledge of the peer movement and follow through on activities is important. A clean Virginia driver's license and reliable transportation is also required.

MHAV is an equal opportunity employer that actively recruits and hires qualified people who may have disabilities without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age or sexual orientation.

To apply for this position, please email, fax or mail a resume, cover letter and salary requirements to:

Anne Edgerton, Executive Director, MHAV

2008 Bremo Road, Suite 101

Richmond, VA  23226

info@mhav.org

FAX: 804-447-7786

Peer Support Specialist Position Open at Crossroads CSB - Posted 7.14

Full time position to provide peer support and act as an advocate to individuals receiving services in a mental health/substance abuse outpatient clinic located in Farmville. The incumbent will carry out rehabilitation support functions, education and advocacy in agency and community settings and serves as a role model for mental health and/or substance abuse recovery. Valid Virginia driver's license and acceptable driving record required. Negotiable salary based on experience with excellent fringe benefits. Position will be recruited until filled. Position #1670. PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST

Go to: http://www.crossroadscsb.org/

Webinar: Providing Culturally Competent and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Affirmative Care - Posted 7.14

August 7th, 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.

https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/972831318

Request for Comment: Scheduled Field Review of  Two Current Policies (DBHDS) - Posted 7.14

 http://www.dbhds.virginia.gov/documents/Adm/adm-SBPolicies1023.PDF 

http://www.dbhds.virginia.gov/documents/Adm/adm-SBPolicies1043.PDF 

To assist the Board with this review, stakeholders are asked to consider these current policies and forward your comments about the continued need for these policies and any suggestions for updates, revisions or rescission.

Please provide your comments on all of the above by July 18 to:   meghan.mcguire@dbhds.virginia.gov  

or by mailing: State Board of BHDS, 1220 Bank Street, Room 1323, Richmond, VA 23219.

Comments received will be considered at the next meeting of the committee on July 23rd at DBHDS Central Office, Richmond, VA

VOCAL Seeks Assistance in Updating Records - Posted 3.17

"How Journalists Report Behavioral Health Issues" - Posted 7.10

Watch the interactive webcast that SAMHSA, in partnership with EIC, held on Tuesday, June 24. Panelists shared important information regarding the importance of using fair, correct, and respectful terminology to depict behavioral health issues and individuals affected by them. Panelists shed light on their experiences, both firsthand and professional, focusing on the power of journalism to reduce discrimination against people seeking treatment or in recovery from behavioral health issues. Specific issues included prescription drug abuse, substance use disorders, and co-occurring disorders.

http://www.eicnetwork.tv/Events/SAMHSA_June2014.aspx 

July 15-16, 2014 in Kansas City, MO

This summit will provide an overview of existing technologies that have worked well in behavioral health care and community settings, provide examples of how programs have successfully integrated health technologies to advance recovery-oriented are, and offer information about how current and future federal policy will influence health technology in behavioral health care settings. The two-day format for the Summit will provide opportunities for different stakeholder groups to learn from one other and to develop a set of clear, region-specific outcome objectives.

July 22nd

2:00 - 3:30 p.m.

Patricia E. Deegan, Ph.D., Presenter 

People vote with their feet and often walk away from services that do not meet their needs. In this webinar, Pat Deegan will draw on her experience in building services that engage and empower people to live their lives, not their diagnosis. Pat will use examples from her work with OnTrackNY first episode psychosis teams, shared decision making and recovery learning collaboratives, to illustrate principles of successful engagement strategies.

Register Now!

Registration is Open for Alternatives 2014!  - Posted 6.23

To register for the conference, and/or to book a hotel room, go to the Alternatives 2014 website and see the links on the navigation bar at the left. Click on the URL below to go to the Alternatives 2014 website:   

Mind Freedom International Presents the Creative Revolution Conference: "Developing and Expanding Alternatives" - Posted 6.19

July 27-27 at Wisdom House in Connecticut

The Choice in Mental Health committee of MindFreedom International recognizes the need for alternatives and to build intentional communities. The conference invites people who are interested and have developed alternatives to the mental health system. The goal of the conference is to inspire and encourage more people to develop alternatives to the mental health system. The conference will focus on four themed groups: Drug-withdrawal programs, Peer-run respite programs, Open- Dialogue Based programs, and Soteria- like programs.

Learn more and register at: 

Every Monday at 1 p.m.