About Job

Our Certified Peer Support Specialists are part of a robust behavioral health team and are responsible for:

Acting as role models, exhibiting competency in personal recovery and use of coping skills for adult clients with behavioral health issues.

Modeling and encouraging self-advocacy, working with the treatment team to meet the needs of clients with mental illness and substance use disorders in a manner that promotes and supports recovery and resilience.

Assisting program participants in navigating critical life skills, including employment, housing and community integration.

Assisting program participants with identifying and accessing resources in the community to help them meet their basic needs, accommodate special needs, and achieve long and short-term goals.

Guiding program participants to create and engage a robust network of professional and social supports in the community to provide a foundation for sustainable success.

Key requirements/desired skills include:

Certification by an accredited Certified Peer Support Specialist Program (NC certification required prior to start of employment).

Experience with populations served in a related field.

2+ years of experience providing Peer Support and/or Substance Use Disorder Outreach services; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Thorough understanding of the Peer Support and Substance Use Disorder Outreach model of service delivery to the community.

Knowledge of the Recovery process and the ability to facilitate recovery using established standardized mental health processes including WRAP and motivational Interviewing.

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.

Knowledge and skill to use community resources necessary for independent living and ability to teach those skills to other individuals with severe mental illness. The CPSS may accompany patients to community resources to assist them in accessing these resources.

Excellent interpersonal skills and empathy towards patients/program participants, as well as strong communication skills, critical thinking skills, the ability to handle stressful situations, the capacity to function independently and the ability to document meticulously.

Established connections within the community to assist clients accessing the resources and supports needed to promote and sustain independent recovery.

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

Bilingual or multilingual fluency including Spanish a plus.

Education:

High School Diploma Required

Bachelor’s in a Human Services Field allows additional opportunity for career development

Experience:

Community Navigation

Recovery Counseling

Addiction counseling

License / Required Certifications:

NC Peer Support Certification

First Aid / CPR / AED (2-year)

Blood Borne Pathogens (1-year)