Certified Peer Support Specialist

BJK People's Health Centers provides comprehensive mental health services to children and adults in the northern and central parts of the City of St. Louis and North St. Louis City. A professional mental health staff serves a growing caseload of 2,800 patients, of which greater than ninety-five percent are chronically mentally ill and suffering from major psychiatric disorders. BJK People's Health Centers operates a Psychosocial Rehabilitation Center, Comprehensive Psychiatric Rehabilitation Center and Comprehensive Substance Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation, for adults and youth.  A multi-disciplinary team of psychiatrists, nurses, counselors, social workers, educators, and support staff work diligently to carry out the mission of providing comprehensive care to patients and their families.

Summary:

At BJK People's Health Centers, the Peer Specialist is who is responsible for assisting and empowering peer consumers by identifying a main concern, developing strength based recovery and relapse prevention plans that includes measurable goals and objectives, and carrying out the independent living plans with the consumers. The Peer Specialist helps fellow peers cultivate their independence, self-confidence, and self-esteem in the community. The specialist empowers consumers to participate in community self help groups such as AA, NA and SMART Recovery. The Peer Specialist is a companion, educator, advocate and friend to consumers. The age group that this position will be working with is 21 years old.

Summary of Job Duties:

• Inform Peer Consumers of available programs and services and assist in referrals to other agencies/community partners that will assist the consumer in meeting his/her recovery goals.
• Meet with consumers in their own homes, at designated offices and by phone as need to ensure continued consumer satisfaction and progress towards their recovery goals.
• Ensure that consumers have full and unbiased access to a variety of services and service providers to meet their specific needs
• Abide by 9 CSR 30-4.039 (13) providing services that are person centered and recovery focused

Minimum Requirements:

High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma

Participant in recovery support services

Strong desire for employment and strong desire to help others

Self starter who enjoys working independently

Experience that demonstrates organization and planning abilities.

Certified Peer Specialist (Preferred)