Peer Support Specialist

Job Title: Peer Support Specialist

Job Status: Full-time

Functional areas/departments where this position may be located:

• Community Health and Research Center

Job Summary: Under general supervision, the Peer Support Coach uses intermediate skills obtained through lived experience and training to provide support and motivation to clients seeking treatment and services related to assigned functional area, including alcohol and drug dependency and mental illness. Assesses client needs, provides consultation, guidance, and advocacy to clients through direct assistance, information, and referral to internal and external resources. Develops, implements, and monitors clients' attainment of goals and objectives listed within treatment plans and individualized plans of services.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Engage and enroll clients in intervention and support services
• Utilize program tools to develop a person-centered, individualized plan of service for each client, which will be used to identify goals, address barriers, and monitor progress towards recovery and self-sufficiency
• Assist clients in recognizing and understanding "at risk" behaviors and coach client on redirecting those behaviors
• Complete initial and follow-up review processes and necessary documentation related to services provided
• Advocate on behalf of client in written and oral form when providing necessary referrals and contacts with other departments/agencies/companies
• Coordinate delivery of benefits and various services the client was referred to ensure participation and program compliance based on assigned program
• Provide peer coaching to clients in one-on-one or group settings to improve overall functioning, interpersonal relationships, integration into community, and support clients' efforts to meet their individual and program goals
• Administer testing as needed - depending upon assigned functional area, this may include blood testing and the coordination of administering, preparing, and shipping samples and receiving test results
• Establish and maintain relationships with appropriate client referral sources
• Maintain currency on new services and referral sources as well as services provided to clients
• Maintain program policies and procedures per funding guidelines
• Maintain agency confidentiality and client privacy
• Follow the funding sources requirements and CARF standards applicable to the services provided
• May conduct presentations and awareness campaigns in order to raise awareness of services offered and increase participation
• May support recruitment efforts for assigned program area
• May translate and interpret information for non-English speaking clients as needed
• Routine contact with internal and external clients is required to obtain, clarify, or provide facts and information
• Operate standard office equipment and use required software applications
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Community resources including social services agencies and crisis intervention providers
• Processes, rules and regulations of various services and funding agencies surrounding the eligibility and maintenance of the services being received
• HIPAA regulations based on assigned functional area

Skill in:

• Operating standard office equipment and using required software applications for program area and other applications, including Microsoft Office
• Community Outreach/Activism
• Mentoring

Ability to:

• Self-identify as a person who lived experience with assigned functional area and is prepared to use that experience in helping others
• Partner with other functional areas to accomplish objectives
• Facilitate meetings, ensuring that all viewpoints, ideas, and problems are addressed
• Organize and prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Speak and write in English. Ability to interpret, speak and write in Arabic, Spanish or other native language of the predominant service population is preferred
• Receive general guidance and direction to perform a variety of non-routine tasks and responsibilities
• Resolve most questions and problems and refers new or unusual issues to a higher level
• Maintain confidentiality of agency and client information

Educational/Previous Experience Requirements:

• Minimum Degree Required:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent

~and~

• At least one year of experience working in social services or any equivalent combination of experience, education and/or training approved by Human Resources
• Actively in recovery with (3-5) years lived experience in the field or other lived experience approved by Human Resources
• Background check must show that candidate is fully off of probation/parole for a minimum of two years before date of hire.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Licenses/Certifications Required at Date of Hire:
  • Valid Driver's license
  • Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) MDHHS
• Licenses/Certifications Required upon hire or no later than 90 days from Date of Hire:
  • QMHP Adults - 5 hours within 90 days after the first day of employment, or
  • QMHP Children - 24 hours within 90 days after the first day of employment

• Licenses/Certifications Required no later than 6 months from Date of Hire (Contingent on training availability, new hire must establish and develop a plan with supervisor as part of onboarding process):
  • Peer Support Specialist certification
  • Certified Mental Health Fist Aid (MHFA)

Working Conditions:

Hours: Normal business hours, some additional hours may be required. Non-traditional hours, including nights and weekends, may be required based on assigned functional area

Travel Required: Local, in-state, and national travel may be required based on approval from supervisor only


Working Environment: Climate controlled office.