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.