Peer Support Specialist

Peer Specialists have the unique role of providing recovery services, health and wellness self management education, as directed by a certified Clinical Specialist. From a perspective based on his or her personal experience with mental illness and/or co-occurring disorders of mental illness and substance abuse, the Peer Specialist provides and coordinates a broad range of services for clients who have histories of homelessness, psychiatric disability, substance abuse, criminal justice, and other trauma.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborate with client in the formulation of an Individual Recovery Plan (IRP) that is reviewed and modified with client on a regular basis;
• Provide outreach, counseling, advocacy, and other needed services to clients in any environment including: the streets, shelters, jails, hospitals, apartments, office, etc;
• Use his or her unique recovery experience to teach and role model the value of every individual’s recovery experience.
• Assist in developing and modeling effective coping techniques and self help strategies.
• Assist in the development of tailored services to each client—i;e; housing placement, independent living skills, vocational guidance, appointment escorts, integrated substance use treatment, and family counseling;
• Maintain written and computerized records, compile reports and complete other program documentation (including case notes, statistics, letters, etc;);
• Assist clients to manage their monies, including preparing budgets with clients and computing expenses;
• Coordinate and monitor referrals to community services, and advocate client participation in them;
• Educate, inform and advocate for clients regarding benefits and entitlements (Social Security, Public Assistance, food stamps, etc.)
• Perform other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be a self-identified person currently or previously receiving mental health or co-occurring behavioral health services.
• Preference given to individuals with life experiences of homelessness and/or mental illness.
• HS Diploma/GED required; college degree helpful
• Peer Specialist Certification or training in the use of personal recovery stories in a professional setting.
• Willingness and desire to professionally use personal recovery journey to work with others as appropriate.
• One year experience working with in a mental health program helpful
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Ability to maintain boundaries but comfortable using self and personal experiences as applicable
• Bilingual, (English, Spanish or other languages) highly desired.