Certified Peer Support Specialist

About the role

The Peer Support Specialist provides peer-to-peer support and self-help services to clients. The position is for an individual who has experience with, or knowledge of, the needs of those diagnosed with major mental illnesses and how to assist them with accessing community resources, etc.

Location: Homeless; Exempt/Non-Exempt: Non-Exempt; Union/Non-Union: Non-Union; Supervisor: Program Coordinator.

Responsibilities

• Provides peers with community resources
• Provides educational, or wellness groups
• Provides social activities within the clinic and in the community
• Provides individual peer counseling
• Provides initial assessments
• Develops strategies for outreach
• Assists peers in obtaining benefits and entitlements
• Documents services as needed in clinically acceptable format
• Demonstrates the ability to manage competing demands upon time
• Demonstrates the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action
• Demonstrates the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, clients, family members, visitors, government agencies/ personnel and the general public
• Demonstrates the ability and willingness to work harmoniously with other personnel
• Demonstrates patience, tact, a cheerful disposition and enthusiasm, as well as the willingness to handle difficult clients
• Is able to relate information concerning a client's condition to co-workers and immediate supervisor
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
• Exercises good judgment
• Interfaces smoothly with outside agencies and representatives from DMH
• Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the principles of The Recovery Model
• Provide targeted case management
• Performs other additional tasks as directed

Skills

• Ability to work and relate effectively with multi-disciplinary treatment team, clients and public
• Knowledge of community resources
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to work independently and use good judgment
• Ability to work with adult clients
• Legible handwriting
• Ability to work various hours and shifts
• Ability to lead an educational or support group
• Knowledge of computer email and knowledge of basic computer skills
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors