Certified Peer Support Specialist

Certified Peer Support Specialist

The Certified Peer Support Specialist provides recovery-oriented support services to individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges. Drawing from lived experience, the Certified Peer Support Specialist offers encouragement, motivation, advocacy, and guidance to help clients achieve personal recovery goals, increase self-sufficiency, and improve overall wellness. Hours: 7 PM to 7 AM Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday.

Essential Functions

• Provide identified services to clients per the person-centered plan of care, life skills training, engage social support within the community, and coach basic health & safety skills.
• Providing client-driven services individually or in a group setting.
• Use lived experience to provide hope, motivation, and peer-based support
• Build trusting, supportive relationships with clients
• Support clients in navigating mental health, substance use, medical, and social service systems
• Provide collaboration and advocacy for positive client outcomes.
• Develop and maintain positive and healthy relationships with both internal and external clients.
• Keep current with all required training and certifications.
• Document accurately and timely in the clients' Electronic Medical Record per FHC policy.
• Reach productivity standards set for this job role.
• Assist with crisis support and de-escalation when appropriate
• Follow all ethical guidelines as set by the Division of Mental Health and Addictions including reporting ethical concerns
• Other duties as assigned.

Work-Related Experience

• Must have a minimum of one year of sobriety, three years preferred.
• Must have lived experience with substance use/ mental health challenges and recovery
• Sensitive and flexible when dealing with adults, families, adolescents, and children. Certified Peer Support Specialist must demonstrate knowledge of identification of needs, symptoms, and behaviors of individuals served.
• Experience working with diverse populations, including individuals with complex medical or behavioral health needs.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Mental:

• Ability to remain calm and effective in high-stress situations, such as medical emergencies or crisis interventions.
• Strong critical thinking and decision-making skills in dynamic patient care settings.
• Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing within the organization and with outside agencies
• Ability to provide compassionate care while maintaining professional boundaries.

Physical:

• Sitting, standing, or walking for varied lengths of time.
• Lifting up to 20lbs.
• Ability to perform repetitive motions, including typing for EHR documentation.
• Occasional exposure to bodily fluids, infectious diseases, and hazardous materials; adherence to infection control protocols is required.

Working Conditions:

• Community settings as necessary or with other agencies.
• Clinical environment with exposure to infectious diseases, hazardous materials, and emotionally challenging patient cases.
• Potential for irregular hours, including evenings or weekends, depending on the role.

Education, Certification, and Licensure

Education: High School Diploma or equivalent

Certification: Certified Peer Recovery Coach through ICAADA or approved certification through Division of Mental Health and Addiction

Licensure: Valid Driver's license; must be insurable under the organization's vehicle insurance policy.

Skills

• Demonstrate the understanding of, and belief in, the recovery process.
• Ability to establish rapport and build appropriate relationships with clients.
• Effective time management and organizational skills.
• Commitment to professional growth and supervision.
• Cultural competence and ability to work with diverse populations.
• Lived experience with substance use and recovery