Peer Specialist (Mental Health Services)

About the role

The ACCS Peer Specialist promotes the engagement, hope and the full integration and functioning of Persons Served (PS) needed to live successfully in the community. They provide Peer Support Services, helping PS explore their options and gain the confidence, skills, and resources needed to succeed in their goals.

Responsibilities

• Implements Peer Support-oriented Treatment Plan interventions with PS.
• Shares personal experiences; provides support, education, and advocacy to PS, especially at times of service and life transitions.
• Engage PS in non-directive and supportive relationships that promote empowerment and self-learning.
• Affords PS access to community services and builds Recovery and support networks.
• Facilitates Peer Support groups.
• Connects PS with recovery tools and resources.
• Provides information and training on recovery and self-management plans and strategies.
• Models effective coping techniques and self-help strategies for PS.
• Teaches and consults with ACCS staff to reinforce and improve their understanding of recovery values, person-centered language, and the perspectives of Persons Served.
• Uses recovery-oriented, person-centered, motivational interviewing, harm-reduction, Housing First, Stages of Change, Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP); trauma-informed, culturally competent, and strengths-based approaches.
• Visits all GLE and SIE settings regularly to provide Peer Support.
• Facilitates Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) groups.
• Engages as a member of the Peer Specialist Community of Practice Workgroup, for continuous role competency development and learning.
• Completes any needed documentation only in accordance with Certified Peer Specialist training standards.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Qualifications

• Personal, first-hand experience (not just having a friend or family member) being a recipient of the mental health system, which encompasses experiences such as psychiatric inpatient hospitalization, outpatient services/therapy, experience with psychiatric medications, and/or participating in mental health groups in the community.
• While a formal mental health diagnosis is not required, involvement with mental health services must be related to experience with mental health, emotional health and/or trauma resulting in significant life disruption.
• Certified Peer Specialist credential preferred.
• Must become a Certified Peer Specialist OR obtain Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery “Recovery Coach Academy” certificate of completion within 6 months of hire.
• Typical Requirements: Personal, first-hand experience (not just having a friend or family member) being a recipient of the mental health system, which encompasses experiences such as psychiatric inpatient hospitalization, outpatient services/therapy, experience with psychiatric medications, and/or participating in mental health groups in the community.
• Preferred /Required Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Bachelor’s degree preferred. In some cases, experience may be substituted for academic training.
• Driving Requirements: Driving is a requirement for this position using either a Vinfen van or personal vehicle.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Additional Certifications Required: CPR required within two weeks of hire, First Aid required within two weeks of hire.
• Required Credentials/Licenses: Certified Peer Specialist credential required within 12 months of hire.