Peer Specialist

Duties and Responsibilities

• Educate recipients about self-help recovery opportunities and the benefits of group processes
• Aid in the development of community support systems and resources or networks
• Teach symptom management skills; build on and enhance effective coping strategies and skills based on personal experience
• Be responsible for bridging services by developing trust and rapport with recipients
• Helps to increase socialization for identified clients when needed/requested
• Provides supportive counseling and education in areas such as medication management, symptom management and developing coping strategies
• Utilizes effective engagement skills to connect, use mutually shared insights to encourage problem solving and utilization of tools that will assist in lessening or alleviating current and future crisis
• Assists in clarifying rehabilitation and personal recovery goals
• Engage clients in defining personal goals in life (and beyond ACT)
• Develop linkages and new supports
• Develops community-based relationships with emergency service programs, housing agencies, social services, self-helper/peer-run services, natural community supports, including parenting programs, churches/spiritual centers or local groups and/or rehabilitation services, ACCESS-V/educational institutions
• Utilizes the Child and Adult Integrated Reporting System (CAIRS) as needed
• Participates in routine supervision with the Team Leader
• Responds to emergency situations as appropriate

Qualifications and Competencies

• High School Diploma preferred
• At least 2-3 years experience as a mental health recipient, who has successfully utilized opportunities for personal growth
• Ability to respond appropriately to supervision and work as a team member
• Certified by the Academy of Peer Services or undergoing certification is preferred