CERTIFIED PEER SPECIALIST

Responsibilities

• Provides peer support services to Persons in Recovery (PIRs) through advocacy, education, encouragement, and recovery coaching.
• Uses lived experience to foster hope, empowerment, engagement, and self-determination.
• Affords assistance in developing and pursuing personal recovery goals.
• Supports engagement in treatment and recovery-oriented services.
• Shares recovery education to individuals, family members, staff, and community partners.
• Affords assistance in developing and maintaining natural supports and community connections.
• Facilitates and supports peer-led recovery activities and wellness initiatives.
• Affords assistance in identifying and implementing person-centered interventions identified in individual service plans.
• Affords assistance in independent living preparation and skill development.
• Serves as a recovery role model by demonstrating healthy coping strategies and recovery principles.
• Affords assistance in developing social skills and increasing community participation.
• Shares information regarding recovery resources, community programs, and self-help opportunities.
• Promotes wellness, resilience, and self-advocacy.
• Affords assistance in orientation and engagement of new program participants.
• Affords assistance in recovery planning, goal setting, and wellness management strategies.
• May facilitate groups such as: Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP), Recovery Support Groups, Community Meetings, Symptom Management Groups, Coping Skills Development Groups, Peer Support and Wellness Activities.
• Documents time worked accurately.
• Performs other duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) Certification required.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience supporting individuals in mental health recovery preferred.
• Demonstrated lived experience with recovery and the ability to utilize that experience appropriately in peer support services.
• Maintains all certification requirements established by applicable state and credentialing entities.
• Completes a minimum of eighteen (18) continuing education or training credits annually to maintain certification.

Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish trust and rapport with individuals served.
• Ability to share lived experience appropriately to inspire hope and recovery.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Effective advocacy and support skills.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and ethical standards.
• Strong documentation and recordkeeping abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office applications and electronic documentation systems.

Benefits

• Professionalism and ethical conduct in all interactions.
• Flexibility in working hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and work locations.
• Drug-Free Workplace Statement.

Pay

Compensation is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Schedule

Work schedule is subject to change based on business needs. Flexibility in working hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and work locations may be required.