Peer Support Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

SUMMARY OF MAJOR FUNCTIONS:

The Peer Support Specialist plays a crucial role in providing support and guidance to individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges. This position focuses on fostering a safe and supportive environment where clients can share their experiences and work towards recovery. By utilizing lived experience and professional training, the specialist will empower clients to develop coping strategies and achieve their personal goals. The ultimate aim is to enhance the overall well-being of clients through empathetic listening, motivational interviewing, and group facilitation. This role is integral to building a community of support that encourages resilience and personal growth.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participates in the orientation process of new clients

• Completes intakes, assessments, and other necessary documents.

• Demonstrates good interviewing and assessment skills

• Provide consumers with assistance in obtaining needed resources (i.e. food stamps, health insurance, housing, food, and clothing)

• Complete the recovery plan, initial authorization, and re-authorization (in MHWIN) with each consumer in a timely manner.

• Serve as one-on-one support to consumers in various stages of the recovery process.

• Assist the consumer with socializing and building a recovery network of support through support groups, 12-step meetings, and recovery events as needed.

• Maintain regular contact via phone calls and meetings.

• Facilitate educational didactic, group therapy, encounters, and other recovery-related activities displaying good theoretical knowledge of the subject matter and effective communication skills in delivering materials.

• Facilitate random urine analysis when requested. 

• Provide coverage as required by the program including some evenings, weekends, and holidays.

• Supports and adheres to the rules and regulations of the Board of Directors.

• Participates in scheduled in-services and other appropriate training activities.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS – EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• One year of substance abuse treatment and/or mental health disorder experience.

• Documented successful completion and/or development plan of the Certified Peer Recovery Mentor – Michigan (CPRM-M) offered by the Michigan Certification Board of Addiction Professionals upon hire or Certification as a Peer Support Specialist

• Must not have been convicted of a felony for at least (5) years prior to application.

• Strong organizational skills.

• In-depth knowledge of community resources such as housing, medical, and other needed support services specifically related to the population served.

• Group Facilitation experience a plus.

• Familiarity with the 12-step model, Social Model, and Substance Abuse Provider Network preferred.

• Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to utilize Microsoft Access database and Microsoft Word preferred.