Peer Support Specialist

Certified Peer Support Specialist

Peer Specialist will function as a role model to peers; exhibiting competency in personal recovery and use of coping skills; serve as a consumer advocate, providing consumer information and peer support for clients in outpatient and inpatient settings. The PS performs a wide range of tasks to assist peers of all ages, from young adult to old age, in regaining independence within the community and mastery over their own recovery process. Recovery resources such as booklets, tapes, pamphlets and other written materials will be utilized by the Peer Specialist in the provision of services.

Essential Job Functions:

· Using a formal goal-setting process, the PSS will:

· Assist clients in articulating personal goals for recovery through the use of one-to-one

· and group sessions. During these sessions, the PS will support clients in identifying and creating goals and developing recovery plans with the skills, strengths, supports, and resources to aid them in achieving those goals

· Assist clients in working with their case manager or treatment team in determining the steps he/she needs to take in order to achieve these goals and self-directed recovery.

· Assist clients in setting up and sustaining self-help (mutual support) groups, as well as means of locating and joining existing groups.

· Utilize tools such as the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) to assist clients in creating their own individual wellness and recovery plans.

· Support clients’ vocational choices and assist them in choosing a job that matches their strengths, overcoming job-related anxiety by reviewing job applications, and providing interview tips.

· Assist clients in building social skills in the community that will enhance job acquisition and tenure

Knowledge Required by the Position

a. Knowledge of the Recovery process and the ability to facilitate recovery using established standardized mental health processes.

b. Knowledge and skill to teach and engage in basic problem-solving strategies to support individual clients in self-directed recovery.

c. Knowledge of the signs and symptoms of mental illness (i.e. auditory and visual hallucinations, aggressive talk, and behavior, thoughts of self-harm or harm towards others, isolation) and the ability to assist the client to address symptoms using strategies such as positive self-talk.

d. Knowledge and skill sufficient to use community resources necessary for independent living and ability to teach those skills to other individuals with severe mental illness.

Community resources may include but are not limited to the social security office, Department of Family and Children services, local YMCA, Library, restaurants, clients’ service organizations, housing providers, etc. The PS may accompany clients to community resources to assist them in accessing these resources.

e. Knowledge of how to establish and sustain self-help (mutual support) and educational groups by soliciting input from the mental health consumers on their strengths and interests.

f. A valid driver’s license is required as some driving and/or transportation may be required to take clients to medical appointments, job sites, social activities and other community resources.

Experience:

· Certified Peer Support Specialist: 3 years (Required)

· Education:

· High school or equivalent (Preferred)

· Certifications:

· Bloodborne Pathogens Certification (Required)

· CPR Certification

· Driver's License (Required)

· NCI Certification (A & B)

· Certified Peer Support Specialist Certification (Required)

· First Aid Certification

· Bloodborne Pathogens

· Related keywords: peer support specialist, social services, certified peer specialist

COVID-19 Precaution(s):

Remote interview process

Personal protective equipment provided or required

Temperature screenings

Social distancing guidelines in place

Sanitizing, disinfecting, or cleaning procedures in place

Job Type: Contract

Pay: $16.00 - $20.00 per hour

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• Peer Support: 1 year (Preferred)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: On the road

Salary : $16 - $20