Peer Support Specialist

Essential Job Functions

• Regular and predictable attendance
• Adheres to all policies and procedures relating to position certification
• Provides information and support on health and wellness issues, and provides educational assistance in acquiring new skills
• Actively and regularly collaborates with other members or staff (nurses, case managers, therapists, physicians, etc.) involved in the client's treatment
• Engages individuals to participate in treatment, medication compliance, support groups, and other activities of daily living. May also include encouraging and referring to a social detox program
• Engages family members and other supports as appropriate
• Affords assistance to clients individually and in group settings to establish an Individual Wellness Recovery Action Plan
• Affords assistance to clients in acquiring life skills and employment readiness
• Affords assistance to recovering individuals in finding decent, affordable housing of their choice in the most integrated, independent and least restrictive skills through self-advocacy
• Provides concrete assistance in complaint applications, obtaining entitlements, obtaining child care, and providing transportation to support group meetings, and/or food and clothing pantries
• Affords assistance to clients in feeling connected to recovery community, especially in recreational activities in a drug free environment
• Uses electronic documentation to complete Individual Wellness Recovery Action Plans, participate in treatment planning, and required case file documentation
• Affords assistance in the process of maintaining client charts in a site visit ready manner at all times
• Transports and links clients to required services
• Willingly shares personal recovery experiences, demonstrates and models effective coping techniques and self-help strategies
• Helps clients to modify attitudes and patterns of behavior by increasing understanding of self, personal problems and client's part in creating them
• Develops discharge/transition plans with primary counselor (as appropriate)

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 21 years of age or older
• Minimum 2 years demonstrated and sustained personal substance use disorder recovery and/or mental health disorder experience
• Must be able to operate in mentally and emotionally stressful situations
• Requires a high level of mental and emotional resilience
• Completion of Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services 15 hour approved Peer to Peer Mentor education program within six months of employment

Requirements

• Residential locations and TRC will require CPR/First Aid training and annual TB testing