Peer Support Specialist - Nebraska Peer Center

Summary Description Of Work

A person in recovery from a serious mental illness will hold this position. This position is a fully integrated employee who provides highly individualized services at the peer drop-in program and in the community. The focus of their work is to promote client self-determination and decision-making. Peer specialists also provide essential expertise and consultation to other professionals to promote a culture in which each client's point of view and preferences are recognized, understood, respected, and integrated into treatment, rehabilitation, and community self-help activities. Professionals at this level have excellent communication skills with clients, family members and community institutions. Decision-making, problem solving, and positive interpersonal skills are critical.

Compensation

Between $16.50 and $23.07 per hour (wage is based on total years of relevant experience).

Work Schedule

37.5 hours per week (Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Friday 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.).

Minimum Qualifications

• Certified Peer Recovery Support (PRS)
• Wellness Recovery Action Planning training (WRAP) preferred
• Two years paid or volunteer experience working with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness
• Valid driver’s license/ acceptable driving record

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Can speak to the experience of others with SPMI (serious persistent mental illness) and can provide support based on similar experiences.
• Able to engage clients in their own recovery journey.
• Provides direct services to clients on an individual and group basis in the office and in community settings to teach symptom-management techniques, promotes personal growth and whole health wellness, and development by assisting clients to cope with internal and external stresses and move ahead with their goals.
• Mets direct service standards, completes billing info in a timely manner.
• Provides care coordination - knowledgeable of and can provide direction to community resources and other needed supports.
• Develops/maintains a welcoming, trauma informed atmosphere.
• Helps in the Peer Center during open hours.
• Organizes and leads individual and group social and recreational activities to help clients structure their time, increase social experiences, and provide opportunities to practice social skills.
• Participates actively in case consultations and other discussions related to client needs as an active voice for program members.
• Has good verbal and written skills.
• Uses computer easily to document information and data required of the program. Documents client progress to maintain a permanent record of client activity according to the agency's established methods and procedures.
• Aids in independent living skill development.
• Aids and supports clients to have and effectively use a primary care physician and dentist, and other medical professionals as needed. Encourages the client to focus on whole health wellness. Encourages clients to plan and carry out leisure time activities on evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Displays a courteous and caring attitude at all times to the clientele, volunteers, and visitors of the Agency.
• Cooperates and collaborates with program area staff, volunteers, other Agency staff.
• Is dependable and punctual regarding scheduling and attendance.
• Abides by all specific program and Agency procedures, policies, and requirements.
• Develops personal and program related skills through participation in internal and external training opportunities including printed material and audio and/or visual media.
• Creates, maintains and shares an appropriate a dynamic self-care plan.
• Strives to make connections between the agency and the larger community whenever possible to contribute to the agency’s ongoing fundraising and friend-raising efforts.