JOB SUMMARY: As part of a multi-disciplinary team, the Peer Support Specialist will provide peer support services to persons with mental illness and/or substance abuse problems. The Peer Support Specialist will assist clients with developing self-help, crisis/coping and social skills. Support will also be provided to clients to assist them with finding resources for housing, employment and/or education, while helping to develop a secure network of community support.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: High school diploma or GED required. Past or present consumer of mental health or substance abuse services with a history of managing one’s own illness. Candidate must have three full years without crisis, relapse, psychiatric in-patient treatment or criminal involvement and completed WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) or equivalent training.
REPORTS TO: Department Manager
LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION, and/or REGISTRATION: Certified NC Peer Support Specialist
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Provides individualized, ongoing guidance, coaching and support. Serves as a recovery agent by providing and advocating for any effective recovery based services that will aid the client in his/her daily living.
2. Provides training for using personal development tools/skills and community resources. Assists clients in building social skills in the community that will enhance job obtainment.
3. Assists in obtaining services that suit the client’s recovery needs by providing names of staff, community resources and groups that may be useful and how to use these in the recovery process.
4. Offers encouragement during times of crisis.
5. Assist the treatment staff with developing a treatment/recovery plan based on the client's identified goals and needs.
6. Works cooperatively with treatment staff, family members or significant others involved in the client’s recovery plan.
7. Observes the rules of confidentiality related to clinical information and treatment, both internally at the agency and when dealing with external agencies or individuals.
8. Advocates on behalf of persons with mental/behavior health or substance abuse problems to protect the client’s rights and to assist in reducing social stigmas.
9. Performs other duties as assigned.
SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge of the recovery process Ability to facilitate recovery using established standardized mental health processes
Knowledge and skill to teach and engage in basic problem-solving strategies to support clients in self-directed recovery
Knowledge of the signs and symptoms of mental illness or substance abuse Ability to work well with others
Familiarity with local community resources
Ability to maintain confidentiality
Ability to work in collaboration with treatment staff