What are the responsibilities and job description for the Certified Peer Specialist - Forensics - Full Time position at SOUTH CENTRAL ALABAMA MENTAL HEALTH BOARD?
Position Overview:
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Peer Support Specialist to provide support, skills, and recovery-focused guidance to individuals in our Forensics Residential Program. This position operates within a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model, utilizing lived experience to support adults navigating mental health and/or substance use recovery within a structured residential behavioral health setting. In this role, you will help promote hope, resilience, recovery, and successful engagement in treatment through person-centered peer support services.
Qualifications:
- Must have a High School Diploma or GED
- Lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery required
- Must meet Alabama Department of Mental Health (DMH) requirements for Peer Support services
- Strong communication, advocacy, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work effectively with adults receiving behavioral health services in a residential setting
- Knowledge of recovery principles, person-centered care, and community support resources preferred
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team
Responsibilities:
- Provide peer support, skill-building, mentoring, and recovery-focused guidance to adults receiving services in the Forensics Residential Program
- Utilize lived experience to assist consumers in navigating mental health and substance use recovery challenges
- Support consumers in developing coping skills, recovery goals, self-advocacy skills, and increased independence
- Provide encouragement, education, and emotional support that promotes engagement in treatment and long-term recovery
- Collaborate with clinical staff, residential team members, and community agencies to ensure coordinated, person-centered support within the CCBHC care model
- Assist consumers in identifying and accessing behavioral health, recovery, and community support resources as appropriate
- Advocate for consumer needs within treatment settings, service systems, and recovery planning processes
- Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation in compliance with agency standards, CCBHC requirements, and DMH guidelines
- Support a recovery-focused, therapeutic, and structured residential environment that promotes safety, wellness, and rehabilitation
Work Environment:
- Work directly with adults receiving services in a secure forensic residential behavioral health setting
- Support individuals navigating recovery, rehabilitation, emotional wellness, and behavioral health stabilization
- Engage in meaningful work that promotes hope, empowerment, recovery, and improved long-term outcomes