Peer Support Specialist

Job Summary: The Peer Specialist is an integral part of the multidisciplinary team. The Peer Specialist has experience as a recipient of mental health and/or substance abuse services and is willing to use and share their personal, practical experience, knowledge and first-hand insight to benefit the person served and the multidisciplinary team. The Peer Specialist provides expertise and consultation from a mental health/substance abuse consumer perspective to the entire team concerning his/her served experiences on symptoms, the effects and side-effects of medications, his/her served responses to and opinions of treatment, and their experiences of recovery.

Essential Duties/Expectations:

• Comply with Carrfour’s Mission, Vision, Values
• The Peer Specialist provides peer counseling/support to individuals and/or Veterans impacted by poverty, mental health and/or substance related disorders, trauma experiences, impoverished lifestyles and are at-risk of homelessness and/or experienced homelessness.
• The Peer Specialist cultivates the peer’s ability to make informed and independent choices. They assist the peer in identifying and building on their strengths to make their individualized goals a reality.
• Provide peer counseling and support, drawing on common experiences as a peer. Validate the person’s served experiences and provide guidance and encouragement for the person to take responsibility and actively participate in their own recovery plan.
• Participate in team meetings to promote a culture in which the person’s served point of view, experiences, and preferences are recognized, understood and respected. The person’s served self-determination and decision-making are maximized and supported in planning.
• Introduces the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) to persons served and may facilitate WRAP groups.
• Discusses personal safety plans and creates an informal opportunity for the person’s served to address their fears and concerns.
• Help person’s served with identifying, understanding and combating stigma and discrimination associated with their mental illness/substance abuse and develop strategies to reduce self-stigma.
• Report concerns, high-risk behaviors and safety issues as they occur to other program staff and supervisor when it arises.
• Orient persons to available programs and services to assist in their recovery (i.e. drop-in centers and club houses).
• Orient persons about community services and supports and teach them how to utilize these services and supports in their recovery process
• Assist persons in understanding their individual recovery needs, including community and natural supports in addition to organizational supports.
• Assist in arranging and facilitating transportation for appointments and services.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support and ensure the success of the program.
• Ability to work an alternative schedule outside of normal business hours, including weekends and afternoon shifts up to 8pm during the work week.

Education /Experience: 

• High School Diploma/GED required; Associate degree preferred
• Must be a Behavioral Health Services consumer who is in mental health and/or substance abuse recovery
• Must be certified by the Florida Certification Board as a Certified Recovery Peer Specialist (CRPS) and/or Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) or be willing to obtain said certification(s). Certification must be achieved within the first year of employment.
• Veterans preferred
• Individuals with life experience in mental health and substance abuse preferred
• Knowledge of the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) is preferred.
• Must be able to pass a Level 2 Background Check.
• Understanding of working directly with formerly homeless individuals and families and at-risk populations by treating all individuals with respect and are able to build rapport by promoting empathy and compassion with patience and consistency.
• Maintains a professional demeanor and maturity, good judgment, quick learner, and proactive
• Work effectively and productively in a team environment
• Previous experience in a health care setting
• Strong organizational, time management skills, written and verbal communication skills
• Must be computer proficient

For more information on Carrfour Supportive Housing, please visit our website: www.carrfour.org

Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse Education and Awareness website: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Pay: From $18.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Bereavement leave
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Please confirm that you acknowledge and agree to the starting hourly pay is $18.00, in order to continue with your application.

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• Behavioral health: 2 years (Preferred)
• life experience in mental health and substance abuse: 2 years (Required)
• knowledge of the Wellness Recovery Action Plan: 2 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Certified Recovery Specialist (Required)

Location:

• Miami, FL 33131 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18