Peer Specialist (Mental Health Services)

About the role

The ACCS Peer Specialist promotes the engagement, hope and the full integration and functioning of adults with receiving psychiatric rehabilitation services needed to live successfully in the community. As an ACCS Peer Specialist you will provide Peer Support Services and help Persons Served explore their options and gain the confidence, skills, and resources needed to succeed in goals.

Responsibilities

• Implement Peer Support-oriented Treatment Plan interventions with Person Served.
• Provide support, education and advocacy especially at times of service and life transitions; for example being discharged from a hospital, detoxification unit or respite setting, moving to their own apartment, or when facing life stage challenges – particularly for young adults and elders.
• Engage Person Served in non-directive and supportive relationships that promote empowerment and self-learning.
• Facilitate Peer Support groups as needed.
• Connect Person Served with both psychiatric conditions and substance use/addiction to recovery tools and resources.
• Assists Person Served in strengthening relationships with chosen family and friends.
• Teach and consult with ACCS staff to reinforce and improve their understanding of recovery values, person-centered language, and the perspectives of Persons Served and to use processes and strategies conducive to recovery.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 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.

Skills

• Willing to use and share their personal, practical experience of recovery process, wellness management, and the personal effort and commitment required for Person Served to have a full and satisfying life in the community.
• Strong commitments to the right and ability of people served to live, work, have meaningful relationships, and receive the resources and support needed in their community of choice.
• Knowledge of Peer Support and other applicable Codes of Ethics standards and practices.
• Knowledge of person-centered, strengths-based, recovery-oriented values, principles and modalities.
• Knowledge of Peer Support practices and ethical standards.
• Ability to create and maintain supportive, trusting relationships with persons served by ACCS.
• Commitment to maintain confidentiality of persons served.
• Knowledge of engagement and participatory planning techniques.
• Sensitivity to the cultural, religious, ethnic, disability, and gender differences of persons served.
• Knowledge and use of advocacy techniques.
• Respect for and knowledge of legal, civil, and human rights of persons served.
• Knowledge of community and other resources.
• Ability to work independently as well as a part of a team.

Benefits

My Job. My Community. My Vinfen. Vinfen is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.