Peer Support Specialist

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
- Assists clients individually and in group settings to establish an Individual Wellness Recovery Action Plan
- Assists clients in acquiring life skills and employment readiness
- Assists recovering individual 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
- Assists clients in feeling connected to recovery community, especially in recreational activities in a drug free environment
- Uses electronic documentation to complete Individual Wellness Recovery Actions Plans, participate in treatment planning, and required case file documentation
- Assists 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)
- Job may require the employee to be able to regularly drive to various DCCCA locations and other business locations throughout the day including early morning or evening hours
- Other duties as assigned

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

EOE