Peer Recovery Support Specialist

Description

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Utilizing their knowledge, skills and abilities the CPRSS will:
  1. Teach and mentor the value of every individual's recovery experience.
  2. Model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies.
  3. Assist service recipients in articulating personal goals for recovery.
  4. Assist service recipients in determining the objectives needed to reach his/her recovery goals.
• Utilizing ongoing training the CPRSS may:

1. 1. Proactively engage consumers and possess communication skills/ability to transfer new concepts, ideas and insight to others.
   2. Assist in setting up and sustaining self-help (mutual support) groups.
   3. Support consumers in using a WRAP - Wellness Recovery Action Plan.
   4. Utilize and teach problem solving techniques with consumers.
   5. Teach consumers how to identify and combat negative self-talk and fears.
   6. Support the vocational choices of consumers and assist him/her in overcoming job-related anxiety.
   7. Assist in building social skills in the community that will enhance quality of life. Support the development of natural support systems.
   8. Assist other staff in identifying program and service environments that are conducive to recovery.
   9. Attend treatment team and program development meetings to ensure the presence of the consumer voice and to promote the use of self-directed recovery tools.

• Possess knowledge about various mental health settings and ancillary services (i.e., Social Security, housing services and advocacy organizations).
• Maintain a working knowledge of current trends and developments in the mental health field by reading books, journals and other relevant material.
• Attend continuing education assemblies when offered by/approved by Grand Lake Mental Health Center, Inc.
• Develop and share recovery-oriented material with other CPRSS's approved at consumer specific continuing education trainings.
• Serve as a CPRSS by:

1. 1. Providing and advocating for effective recovery-oriented services.
   2. Assist consumers in obtaining services that suit that individual's recovery needs.
   3. Inform consumers about community and natural supports and how to utilize them in the recovery process.
   4. Assist consumers in developing empowerment skills through self-advocacy.
   5. Facilitate wellness activities, groups and individual sessions to promote healthy living.

• CPRSS are encouraged to develop specific competencies which will enhance their work skills and abilities. Identified tasks include (but are not limited to):

1. 1. Pursue Wellness Coach Certification
   2. Becoming a trained facilitator of Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP).
   3. Pursue Certified Behavioral Health Case Management Level I when/if qualified

• Performs other reasonably related duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor or other management as requested.
• Employee must be willing and able to perform all job related travel normally associated with this position.
• Participates in staff meetings.
• Must be willing to submit ODMHSAS Code of Ethics and Training Application, be approved by ODMHSAS to attend such training and meet ODMHSAS requirements before employment begins.
• Regular and predictable attendance is an essential job requirement.
• Must meet "satisfactory" expectations at any scheduled job performance evaluation.
• Quality of work will be evaluated through training, skill, or special purpose. Must be competent and adequate.

Must perform the specific job duties as listed above to meet position expectations.

In addition, must possess skill in working cooperatively and effectively with clients, staff, management and other professional groups; in exercising mature judgment in dealing with people; in presenting ideas clearly and accurately; in reading and comprehending the English language; and in communicating effectively; both orally and in writing.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

High School Diploma or equivalent and must be in recovery from a behavioral health and/or substance abuse disorder or nicotine recovery. One year of experience and participation in local or national consumer advocacy or knowledge in mental health recovery, preferred.

An expectation of core competencies in relation to individuals with co-occurring disorders.