Certified Peer Support Specialist

About the role

The Peer Support Specialist provides peer support services to assigned clients. Use personal recovery experience as a tool. Provide family and community education. Serve as a role model and mentor. Provide support and encouragement to peers. Navigate/link individuals to community resources such as housing, social services, education and employment assistance, health services, etc. Lead recovery education and activities. Develop a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) that focuses on strategies for reaching personal goals, crisis planning, and relapse prevention. Facilitate peer support groups. Provide opportunities for socialization in the community. Provide outreach to people who have frequent inpatient hospitalizations. Provide outreach to people who have failed to engage with the behavioral health system. Assist individuals to develop and implement a person-centered individual service plan. Support individuals through the intake process. Educate individuals on changes in health care reform. Help individuals understand their benefits. Help individuals who seek SSI/SSDI benefits by taking them through the SOAR process. Support people through discharge. Follow up after discharge (in-person, when needed). Empower others by helping them identify their strengths, support, resources and skills. Work as a wraparound facilitator (MS Only).

Responsibilities

• Use personal recovery experience as a tool.
• Provide family and community education.
• Serve as a role model and mentor.
• Provide support and encouragement to peers.
• Navigate/link individuals to community resources.
• Lead recovery education and activities.
• Develop a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP).
• Facilitate peer support groups.
• Provide opportunities for socialization in the community.
• Provide outreach to people who have frequent inpatient hospitalizations.
• Provide outreach to people who have failed to engage with the behavioral health system.
• Aid individuals in developing and implementing a person-centered individual service plan.
• Support individuals through the intake process.
• Educate individuals on changes in health care reform.
• Help individuals understand their benefits.
• Help individuals who seek SSI/SSDI benefits by taking them through the SOAR process.
• Support people through discharge.
• Follow up after discharge (in-person, when needed).
• Empower others by helping them identify their strengths, support, resources and skills.
• Work as a wraparound facilitator (MS Only).
• Provide case management and coordination of services.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must have a mental health condition and/or substance use disorder, must be in recovery, must be open minded, and must be willing to share personal experiences with mental illness/substance use publicly.
• Must be a High School Graduate or have GED.
• Must have a valid driver’s license in state of employment with a safe driving record.
• Must have successfully completed state specific Peer Specialist training and exam.

Qualifications

• Must be able to pass a comprehensive background investigation.

Skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build rapport and trust with clients.
• Knowledge of mental health conditions and substance use disorders.
• Experience working with diverse populations.
• Ability to facilitate group discussions and activities.
• Basic computer skills for data entry and documentation.

Benefits

• Full-time HCA employees enjoy paid time off, paid holidays, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and other voluntary insurance products.
• Additional benefits include Access to a Health Navigator Health Savings Account with company contribution, Dependent Daycare Flexible Spending Account, Health Reimbursement Account, 401(k) Retirement Plan, and Benefits Hub Tickets at Work.

Pay

Compensation is commensurate with experience.

Schedule

Hours are flexible to accommodate the needs of the client population.