Peer Specialist - ACT

Job Description Summary: The Peer Specialist functions as part of an interdisciplinary wraparound team delivering community support services to individuals impacted by a range of behavioral health issues, including substance use, trauma, and mental illness. They are responsible for providing supportive rehabilitation and recovery services to individuals impacted by a variety of behavioral health (addiction/substance use and mental health) issues who are learning to navigate their recovery journeys. They demonstrate a warm and welcoming, empathic, hopeful attitude and are committed to the shared philosophy of dual recovery (from behavioral health disorders and/or substance use). The Peer Specialist is trained and experienced in using their own recovery story to foster connection with and instill hope in the individuals we serve. This position reports directly to the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team Lead.

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent
  
  

Qualifications

• Must have lived experience with behavioral health and/or substance use recovery.
  
  

Responsibilities

• Provides ongoing emotional support and guidance and teaches effective strategies for managing behavioral health symptoms.
• Trains, coaches, and supports peers who are learning social skills, activities of daily living, coping skills, and problem-solving techniques.
• Accompanies peers to appointments to offer support, advocacy, and encouragement in discussing issues with doctors and therapists.
• Provides community living skills coaching and teaching to promote independence and self-sufficiency.
• Assists peers with accessing public services and community resources to include financial, housing, emergency service needs, food, shelter, and clothing.
• Assists with accessing support groups in the community.
• Develops Wellness and Recovery Action Plans (WRAP) with peers;
• Teaches Illness Management and Recovery (IMR) and Enhanced IMR skills to peers to increase knowledge of signs and symptoms of mental illness and how to manage.
• Completes all required documentation within established timeframes and according to quality standards set by State and Federal regulations, CARF certifications, and program expectations.
• Adheres to Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) fidelity guidelines.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Requires prolonged sitting, frequent standing, bending, squatting, kneeling, and reaching above shoulder level frequently, climbing and twisting occasionally
• Requires a typical range of hearing and manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer keyboard, telephone, photocopier, calculator, and other office equipment as needed
• Requires repetitive use of hands for simple grasping and fine manipulation
• Requires standing, sitting, or walking for up to 8 hours or longer per workday
• Requires use of a computer
• Requires working in the community and in peer homes.
• Requires getting in/out of vehicle and transporting peers to medically necessary services.
• TB test upon hire.