What are the responsibilities and job description for the Certified Peer Support Specialist position at Family Health Center – Southwest Indiana?
Position Overview
The Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) provides recovery-oriented support services to individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges. Drawing from lived experience, the Certified Peer Support Specialist offers encouragement, motivation, advocacy, and guidance to help clients achieve personal recovery goals, increase self-sufficiency, and improve overall wellness.
Hours:
7 PM to 7 AM Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday.
Essential Functions
The essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following:
- Provide identified services to clients per the person-centered plan of care, life skills training, engage social support within the community, and coach basic health & safety skills.
- Providing client-driven services individually or in a group setting.
- Use lived experience to provide hope, motivation, and peer-based support
- Build trusting, supportive relationships with clients
- Support clients in navigating mental health, substance use, medical, and social service systems
- Provide collaboration and advocacy for positive client outcomes.
- Develop and maintain positive and healthy relationships with both internal and external clients.
- Keep current with all required training and certifications.
- Document accurately and timely in the clients’ Electronic Medical Record per FHC policy.
- Reach productivity standards set for this job role.
- Assist with crisis support and de-escalation when appropriate
- Follow all ethical guidelines as set by the Division of Mental Health and Addictions including reporting ethical concerns
- Other duties as assigned.
Work-Related Experience
- Must have a minimum of one year of sobriety, three years preferred.
- Must have lived experience with substance use/ mental health challenges and recovery
- Sensitive and flexible when dealing with adults, families, adolescents, and children. Certified Peer Support Specialist must demonstrate knowledge of identification of needs, symptoms, and behaviors of individuals served.
- Experience working with diverse populations, including individuals with complex medical or behavioral health needs.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
Mental:
- Ability to remain calm and effective in high-stress situations, such as medical emergencies or crisis interventions.
- Strong critical thinking and decision-making skills in dynamic patient care settings.
- Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing within the organization and with outside agencies
- Ability to provide compassionate care while maintaining professional boundaries.
Physical:
- Sitting, standing, or walking for varied lengths of time.
- Lifting up to 20lbs.
- Ability to perform repetitive motions, including typing for EHR documentation.
- Occasional exposure to bodily fluids, infectious diseases, and hazardous materials; adherence to infection control protocols is required.
Working Conditions:
- Community settings as necessary or with other agencies.
- Clinical environment with exposure to infectious diseases, hazardous materials, and emotionally challenging patient cases.
- Potential for irregular hours, including evenings or weekends, depending on the role.
Education, Certification, and Licensure
Education: High School Diploma or equivalent
Certification: Certified Peer Recovery Coach through ICAADA or approved certification through Division of Mental Health and Addiction
Licensure: Valid Driver’s license; must be insurable under the organization’s vehicle insurance policy.
skills
- Demonstrate the understanding of, and belief in, the recovery process.
- Ability to establish rapport and build appropriate relationships with clients.
- Effective time management and organizational skills.
- Commitment to professional growth and supervision.
- Cultural competence and ability to work with diverse populations.
- Lived experience with substance use and recovery