Certified Peer Support Specialist-Kinston, NC

Hiring Full time Certified Peer Support Specialist

(Starting salary $18.00 per hour)

The peer support specialist must be certified as a peer support specialist (CPSS). CPSS is responsible for ensuring recovery focused service that allows individuals the opportunity to learn to manage their own recovery and advocacy process through interventions of Peer Support staff that enhance the development of natural supports, as well as coping and self-management skills.

• Qualifications:
  
  

Peer Support must be delivered by individuals

• Whom are Certified as a Peer Support Specialist by NC Peer Support Certification Guidelines under BHRP (Behavioral Health Resource Plan, School of Social Work, UNC Chapel Hill). **AND**
• who have the life experience of being diagnosed with a serious mental illness or substance use disorder **AND**
• Self identify as an individual with life experience of being diagnosed with a serious mental illness or substance use disorder which meets Federal Definitions and are well established in their own recovery;
  
  

and Are currently in recovery and are stable and Have a high school diploma or GED equivalency,

• Is 18 years of age or older with the ability to read, write and understand how to follow instructions **AND**
• Has no violent criminal record or substantiated findings of abuse or neglect listed on the North Carolina Health Care Personnel Registry
• Major Responsibilities****
• Self Help: Cultivating the individual's ability to make informed, independent choices. Helping the individual develop a network of contacts for information and support based on experience of the Peer Support staff.
• System Advocacy: Assisting the individual to talk about what it means to have a mental illness to an audience or group. Assisting the individual with writing a letter or making a telephone call about an issue related to mental illness or recovery.
• Individual Advocacy: Discussing concerns about medication with the Physician or Nurse at the individual's request. Helping the individual make appointments for psychiatric and general medical treatment when requested. Guiding the individual toward a proactive role in health care.
• Pre-Crisis and Post Crisis Support: Assisting the individual with the development of a personal crisis plan, and/or a Psychiatric Advance Directive (PAD). This includes help in developing the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP). Giving feedback to the individual on early signs of relapse and how to request help to prevent a crisis. Assisting the individual in learning how to use the crisis plan.
• Supporting the individual in seeking less restrictive alternatives to locked hospital facilities and Emergency Department evaluations.
• Housing: Assisting the individual with learning how to maintain stable housing through bill paying, cleaning, and organizing his or her belongings. Assisting the individual in locating improved housing situations. Teaching the individual to identify and prepare healthy foods according to cultural and personal preferences of the individual and his/her medical needs.
• Education/Employment: Assisting the individual in gaining information about going back to school or job training. Facilitating the process of asking an employer for reasonable accommodation for psychiatric disability (mental health day, flex time, etc).
• Meals and Social Activities: To build peer relationships where eating is not the core activity offered.
• Assist and support people to realize their goals and attain personal outcomes.
• Assist and support people to develop and/or maintain a social support network.
• Assist and support people to maintain or re-establish their family connections.
• Assist and support people to maintain their home.
• Assist and support people to maintain their health and well-being.
• Assist and support people to utilize their community and its resources.
• Assist and support people to direct their services nd make informed choices in all aspects of their life.
• Assist and support people to have a safe environment in which to live and work, free of abuse, neglect and exploitation.
• To be an Advocate for people with disabilities and to teach members of the community to treat people we support with dignity and respect by modeling positive attitudes and with respectful communication and interactions.