Certified Peer Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Our Mission:

To empower individuals with behavioral health conditions, substance use disorders, and/or developmental disabilities to achieve the lives of their choosing in the community.

Title:Certified Peer/Recovery Specialist I, II, III

Supervisor: Program Director

Summary of Job Description:

The Certified Peer Specialist (CPS)/ Recovery Specialist (CRS) supports individuals within the program by partnering around challenges that can come with symptoms of Mental Health and/or substance use diagnosis. Through utilization of the WRAP plan and a Person-Centered approach, the CPS/CRS will help empower the Member to identify and work towards their Blue-Sky goals. By providing unconditional and nonjudgmental listening while also supporting the utilization of skills needed for the member to begin creating a higher quality of life, the CPS/CRS serves as a peer mentor to those they serve. The CPS/CRS provides opportunities for individuals to direct their own recovery plan and support, build self-worth, wellness, empowerment, and self-advocacy. The CPS/CRS will promote and contribute to the development of a healing culture of recovery and hope within the program and agency.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Conduct regularly scheduled meetings with Members and appropriately engages them to identify interests, strengths, goals, dreams, and aspirations while offering encouragement and empowerment through shared experience.
• To enhance strengths and capabilities for members.
• Meet with members, in collaboration with the treatment team, to develop individualized treatment plan goals.
• Meet with members to collaborate on the development and utilization of their Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP plan).
• Provide support and follow up on treatment interventions per treatment team.
• Facilitate groups based on specific skills, passions, and Member needs.
• Co-Facilitate skills groups and other groups as requested by program leadership
• Attend and participate in treatment team meetings, provide feedback regarding members and offer unique perspectives.
• Supports members in planning for and attending 12 Step Meetings, finding a Sponsor, doing Step Work when appropriate.

• Support Member use of DBT skills as taught by Team (training will be provided)

• Serve as an advocate for Members while continually supporting, teaching, and encouraging self-advocacy skills.
• Support with welcoming newly admitted Members to the Project Transition/ PCS Mental Health community. Assist in orientation to the program by sharing information on program structure and opportunities, tour and introductions to community and staff.
• Promoting community integration through the connection of resources by linking support, mutual-help groups, social clubs, volunteer and paid job opportunities.
• Serve as a role model with a willingness to appropriately share personal experience with members, families, and staff by demonstrating that recovery is possible.
• Support Members in the development and implementation of their transition goals and plans.
• Provide timely documentation in electronic health record (EHR) regarding Member progress, goals, struggles and utilization of member strengths, skills and support.
• Timely documentation of any/all meaningful activities with Members, including groups, outside meetings, community outings, etc.
• Participation in agency internal workgroups, trainings, and meetings.
• Attend continuing education requirements as required.
• Maintain CPS/CRS Certification.
• Provide group vocational education for all program Members
• Provide individual vocational training/ coaching for individual Members
• Support Members with job readiness through resume development, mock interviews and skill building
• Provide vocational and educational resources to Members
• Support Members in learning how to make good healthy choices in terms of health and wellness
• Facilitate groups to improve wellness outcomes
• Support with PCP and other wellness appointments in the community

Additional Performance Expectations: 

• Participate in multidisciplinary treatment team and will support and implement interventions and directives as directed by the Team.
• Always demonstrate compassion and concern when supporting a Member through embracing Project Transition/PCS Mental Health’s Mission and Core Values.
• Approach Member engagement from a non-judgmental stance understanding that a Member’s behavior is driven by experience, which may include trauma.
  • Treat and speak to Members with supportive kindness even when a Member demonstrates intense behavioral or emotional actions. Staff will show Members dignity and respect for their values and lifestyles.
  • Seek out appropriate support, consultation with Clinician, NP, or Psychiatrist (if applicable), in conjunction with the Program Director or obtain supervision, when they are uncertain about how to respond or support a Member effectively.
  • Report back to the Treatment Team any observations of Member behavior that suggests Member may need additional treatment interventions and/or support.
  • Engage with all external parties/ individuals with professionalism and with a positive customer service approach, understanding that they are always representing the organization.
  • An understanding of an agreement to value the concepts of a Trauma Informed and Trauma Empowered workplace.

• Physical Requirements: 

  This position requires the ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 20 lbs. An essential function of this role involves the application of physical restraint techniques in emergency situations to prevent immediate harm to the Members or others, requiring specific training in crisis de-escalation and proper restraint methods, along with detailed incident reporting as per facility policy and regulatory guidelines.

  Qualifications: 

  • The CPS/CRS will have at least a high school diploma or equivalent (required); bachelor’s degree (preferred)
  • At minimum, an individual must meet the CPS/CRS training qualifications and is able to provide documentation of completing the CPS or RPS training in its entirety.
  • CPS/CRS must maintain certification throughout the tenure of employment in this capacity.
  • Must possess a valid, non-commercial driver's license with a clean driving record and have the ability to operate company vehicles in accordance with safety regulations.
  • Skilled in Microsoft Office.
  • High energy individual with strong work ethic and ability to multi-task
  • Interest and ability in having fun in the workplace.
  • Must be a self-motivator.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality.

All Employees have access to our Employee Assistance Program

We’re an equal opportunity employer . All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.