The Forsyth County Department of Emergency Services is seeking to hire a Peer Support Specialist. In the role of a peer support professional with the mobile integrated healthcare division of Forsyth County Emergency medical services you will get the opportunity to connect with clients who are experiencing crisis that involve both behavioral health and substance abuse issues. You will work as a connector for these clients and help advocate for them to receive services and supports that specifically address any unmet needs they may have. You will work closely with our EMT and Paramedic staff to build a plan of success and care for these clients that address their medical, social and behavioral health needs in order to reduce their use of emergency services and improve their overall quality of life.  

The Peer Support Specialist position functions as a role model to program participants by exhibiting competency in personal recovery and provide support throughout the recovery process. 

The ideal candidate will possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Ability to deal tactfully and empathetically with others and to exercise good judgement in appraising situations and making decisions. 

• Knowledge of specialized population to which the employee is assigned. 

• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint. 

• Thorough knowledge of public and private community resources to assist participants with appropriate referrals. 

• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with staff, participants, their families, EMS staff, Fire staff, stakeholders, and the general public.
   

Minimum Education and Experience:

High school Diploma, GED, or an Associate’s degree with three to five years experience as a peer support counselor. Peer Support Specialist certification required. 

Experience as a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) trainer preferred but not required. 

Valid NC driver’s license required, 

Essential duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
 

• Interacts daily with Clients through community field work, office, and telephone communications. 
• Assists with reviewing and development MIH peer support process including the program screening tools and transition plans. 
• Networks & collaborates with community agencies to schedule participants’ appointments. Assists the MIH Coordinator with administrative duties, including collecting data from participants to establish program performance outcomes. 
• Entering data into either Excel or some other data management tool. 
• Provide one-on-one peer counseling to understand the service needs of program participants for referral to community agencies.
• Assist in developing care plans and supports participants’ follow-through to meet plan goals and target dates. 
• Provide Program Supervisor with progress reports on participants’ compliance or non-compliance with treatment. 
• Assist MIH Coordinator with monthly meetings. 
• Receives on-going training in peer counseling and human services interaction.  

OVERALL PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Light – Lifting up to 20 lbs. occasionally, 10 lbs. frequently. Requires walking or standing to a significant degree. PRIMARY WORK LOCATION: Office and field environment