Certified Peer Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

The Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) provides peer support services; serves as a consumer advocate; provides consumer information and peer support for consumers in a variety of settings. The CPS performs a wide range of tasks to support consumers in living their own lives, gaining independence within the community, and directing their own recovery and wellness process. The CPS will model competency in recovery and wellness.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (ALL AREAS):

• Trained and approved by OMHAS as Peer Support Specialist. 
• Training and experience in Trauma Informed Care, recognizing the impact of trauma on self as caregiver, as well as client. Gives input from a trauma-recovery perspective into program and procedures affecting treatment of clients, with the aim of reducing or eliminating re-traumatizing clients, providing choice, respect, and consideration for clients and their recovery.
• Monitors client’s well-being, performs client observation rounds and documents observations and interactions in electronic health record.
• Assists with dangerous and potentially dangerous situations and takes appropriate measures to assure client/worker safety.
• Provides exceptional customer service to clients, visitors, coworkers, and other professionals.
• Takes initiative to interact with client and documents client interactions daily.
• Functions as a valuable member of the treatment team.
• Maintains productivity standards as determined by management.
• Reviews email and internal mail delivery daily and responds if needed in a timely manner.
• Performs other related duties as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (SPECIFIC):

• Provides personal care services, including assisting clients with activities of daily living and other areas as assigned.
• Assists with house responsibilities.
• Monitors safety and security of residents, facility and equipment, notifying the manager and/or other staff as appropriate of problems or potential problems.
• Provides services to, or on behalf of clients either individually, in group settings, in person, or via telephone including (but not limited to):
  • Assisting in the implementation of treatment plans in accordance with identified time frames.
  • Monitoring and documenting client behaviors and progress toward goals and objectives, as well as changes in symptoms.
  • Providing support and interventions in crisis situations as appropriate.
  • Conducts group and individual interactions with the clients according to the treatment plan and documents accordingly
• Uses own recovery experience and training to assist clients developing the skills and knowledge needed for recovery.

PERFORM THE FOLLOWING DUTIES

• Engaging the client.
• Supporting the personal recovery goals of the client.
• Community networking with/on behalf of the client.
• Advocating with and for the benefit of the client.
• Mentoring client.
• Bridging or helping clients navigate the house rules and expectations.
• Training clients on self-advocacy, wellness, life skills, goal setting, and decision-making.
• Develops rapport and engages in a personal and positive supportive relationship, demonstrating and inspiring hope, trust, and positive outlook Provides social and emotional support.
• Trains fellow personnel on the unique role of peer support specialist.
• Ability to relate to clients with a variety of age, gender, cultural, economic and educational backgrounds, personality types and problems.
• Ability to achieve and maintain certification in the required training programs.
• Ability to monitor condition of clients and recognize changes in clients’ mental and physical status.
• Ability to work in alternate locations as assigned.
• Exhibits flexibility and ability to manage multiple demands in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to translate personal experience to articulate the collective experiences of clients.
• Ability to use basic intervention skills.
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to engage in problem-solving process.
• Ability to perform basic office duties in environment of simultaneous demands.
• Maintains appropriate emotional and relationship boundaries with clients, as defined by the Ohio Certification for Peer Supporters.
• Maintains confidentiality expectations to protect clients and Nex Level.
• Maintains competency in the following areas, as demonstrated by successfully completing trainings provided by Ohio Peer Supporters and other organizations:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (ALL):

• H.S. Diploma
• Experience with mental health/drug and alcohol, and/or crisis intervention services preferred. 
• Basic computer, telephone, and exceptional customer service skills required.
• Maintain current CPR and First Aid certifications.  If CPR & First Aid certification isn’t in possession at time of hire, it must be obtained within 6 months.
• Must maintain a current professional licenses status.
• Maintain productivity standards set forth by the agency.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be physically able to operate a variety of automated office machines and equipment including, but not limited to, computer and printers, fax machine, copier, calculator, and telephone. In most cases, physical demand requirements are standing and walking more than 80%; sitting more than 25%; some lifting, carrying, pushing, and / or pulling of light to moderate weight materials (less than thirty pounds) and occasionally bending/stooping.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Must have physical and mental stamina and be able to perform successfully under time-limited pressure. Regular office hours are 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday. Must have the flexibility and willingness to adjust the schedule occasionally in order to accommodate programmatic needs. 

Exposure to Hazards: Worker is subject to inside environmental conditions on a frequent basis with moderate noise. Typical working conditions are found in most administrative work areas.  Worker has contact with consumers and other staff and may be exposed to medical conditions presented by them.  There is potential for exposure to communicable diseases and/or blood-borne pathogens.