Peer Support Specialist

About the role

We are seeking a Certified Peer Specialist to join our Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team in Norfolk, VA. The ACT model supports individuals with serious mental illnesses who may not have experienced success or haven't found effective support within traditional outpatient programs. We offer tailored services emphasizing relationship-building and active involvement in enhancing functioning and symptom management. Services involve weekly home visits, provided either in individuals' residences or within the community, utilizing personal vehicles for client transportation and community-based tasks.

Responsibilities

• Apply wellness management skills, incorporating a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) and Illness Management and Recovery (IMR), to assist consumers on their recovery path.
• Provide personalized coaching to empower consumers and support their recovery objectives.
• Share insights from your lived experiences to connect with and aid individuals undergoing mental health services.
• Offer direct support to ACT Team members, including ongoing symptom assessment, psychiatric rehabilitation, integrated dual disorder treatment (IDDT), medication management, and transportation for treatment plans.
• Participate in Individualized Treatment Team (ITT) processes, contributing valuable perspectives to consumer care.
• Conduct cross-training for the ACT Team, fostering a culture that recognizes, values, and integrates consumer perspectives into treatment plans.
• Attend and actively engage in internal and external treatment team meetings, daily clinical team meetings, and other relevant sessions.

Requirements

• Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) or Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) certification. Consideration may be given to candidates who complete 72 hours of peer support specialist training and certification within the first year of employment.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Must be or have been a recipient of mental health services for serious and persistent mental illness.
• Clinical experience working with adults with severe mental illness preferred.
• Valid Driver’s License and access to own vehicle.

Pay

Starting rate of $24.00/hour.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus access to healthcare advocacy support.
• Retirement plan — both pre-tax and Roth (after-tax) options available for employee contributions.
• DailyPay — access your pay when you need it!
• On the Goga well-being platform, featuring self-care tools and resources.
• Access Care.com for backup childcare, elder care, and household services.
• Confidential counseling, legal, and financial services through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Tuition reimbursement and educational partnerships.
• Employee discounts and savings programs on entertainment, travel, and lifestyle.
• Access to Pryor Online Learning for free online personal development classes.

About Merakey

Merakey is a non-profit provider of developmental, behavioral health, and education services. More than 8,000 employees provide support to nearly 40,000 individuals and families throughout 12 states across the country each year.