Peer Support Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY: The Peer Support Specialist must be an individual who lives with a mental health diagnosis and/or substance use history and has demonstrated at least one year of commitment to his/her own personal recovery. Provides a variety of recovery-oriented services to individuals who have self-identified as desiring peer supports, in order to promote greater independence, community integration and recovery from mental illness and or substance abuse. Services provided by peers include a wide range of supports, services, and advocacy that contribute to a client’s ability to engage in ongoing treatment. Assist in the development of peer-led programming.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Exemplifies recovery principles in order to show by example that recovery is possible and attainable. Share their own recovery story as appropriate, and walks the road of recovery alongside the service recipient.
• Work with peers on specific objectives identified on the recovery plan.
• Attend and positively participate in required team, agency, and interdisciplinary meetings.
• Coordinate and consult with other team members to keep team informed of issues and progress
• Ensure timely completion of all required paperwork.
• Work to increase level of cultural sensitivity, awareness and competency regarding Person Centered and Peer Delivered Services.
• Document all peer services within Medicaid guidelines.
• Educate and advocate for the values and principles of the Recovery Model.
• Receive regular supervision from the Team Lead, seeking additional supervision whenever necessary. Minimum requirement one hour of documented supervision per month.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and group supervision as required.
• Provide back up to other team members as qualified and appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have high school diploma or GED.
• Must have driver’s license.
• Must be a self-identified person currently or formerly receiving mental health services; or a self-identified person in recovery from a substance use disorder, who is committed to the recovery process. Person must identify on the application or cover letter how they have “lived” personal experience leading to an understanding of the needs of persons with mental health & substance abuse issues.
• Must be a certified Peer Specialist or meet requirements to be able to attend the training for the Adult Peer Support Specialist (APSS) training and/or meet requirements to get a Registered Alcohol and Drug Peer Support Specialist license.
• Must be able to provide peer delivered services as described in Medicaid guidelines for Mental Health and/or Substance Use Peer services.
• If recovering from a substance-use disorder, providing treatment services, or peer support service, in alcohol and other treatment programs, must be able to document continuous recovery under independent living conditions, or recovery housing for the immediate past year.

JOB REQUIREMENTS / EXPECTATIONS:

• Ability to sit for extended time for meetings, documentation, and clinic services.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move within clinic and community settings.
• Must have car insurance and be able to transport clients for appointments and community engagement.
• Ability travel across regional sites when needed.
• Must maintain confidentiality and adhere to all regulatory and ethical standards.
• Performance will be evaluated by client outcomes, documentation compliance, and alignment with organizational goals.
• Minimum of one year of sustained recovery from substance use and or mental health conditions with a commitment to continued recovery

CORE VALUES:

All employees must be willing to live our company's core values.

• Integrity – Exhibiting the highest moral, ethical and legal standards. Doing the right thing – even when no one else is looking.
• Teamwork – Putting team success over personal success. Actively valuing the strengths and talents of others.
• Trust/Respect– Seeing and believing in the good intentions of others. Interacting with others in a way that makes them feel valued. Listening without judging. Offering understanding and acceptance.
• Care/Compassion – Demonstrating unconditional kindness, concern and empathy. Exhibiting genuine concern for others.
• Ownership/Accountability – Taking personal responsibility for one’s work, actions and feelings. Accepting responsibility for and learning from mistakes.