Peer Support Specialist

Job Description Summary: 

The Certified Peer Specialist is responsible for providing supportive rehabilitation and recovery support services to individuals impacted by a variety of behavioral health issues who are learning to manage aspects of their mental illness/substance abuse recovery.

Education:

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Work Experiences:

• Must be a recipient of or have received mental health services in the recent past.

Responsibilities:

• Provide ongoing emotional support and guide, teach and coach skills for managing mental health issues.

• Train, coach and support individuals in learning social and daily living skills.

• Accompany to appointments to provide support, advocacy and encouragement in discussing issues with doctors and therapists.

• Provide community living skills coaching and teaching to develop independence and self-sufficiency.

• Assist individuals in accessing public services to include financial, housing, emergency service needs, food, shelter and clothing resources.

• Assist in accessing support groups in the community.

• Assist in developing Wellness and Recovery Plans with clients.

• Assist in learning Illness Management and Recovery skills to become familiar with signs and symptoms of mental illness.

• Teach stress reduction exercises.

• Certified Peer Specialist shall report to and perform other work-related duties as assigned by the Assistant Director of Crisis Services.

• Performs specified administrative tasks as determined by the Assistant Director of Crisis Services and/or Director of Crisis Services

• Perform all other duties as assigned.