Certified Peer Specialist

GENERAL OVERVIEW OF KEY ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

This is a behavioral health position where the incumbent is held to high professional standards. The person occupying this position will foster supportive peer relationships with and among persons in recovery to empower them to take action on issues affecting their lives including health, education, problem solving, self esteem and positive communication. It is essential that the CPS demonstrate a personal belief in recovery, sincere interest in the welfare of persons in recovery and the ability to engage persons in recovery with flexibility and an individualized focus. The CPS will promote and contribute positively to the program and program relationships. The CPS will assists recovering persons to identify their personal interests and goals in relationship to recovery and assist with identifying and linking persons in recovery to possible matches and opportunities between their interest and community resources. The CPS will visit the Person In Recovery as part of outreach support when needed. The CPS will be required to work flexible hours on and offsite depending on program needs and structure between Monday and Sunday. The individual is to be supervised by the Our Mission Is Yours Supervisor.

ESSENTIAL & CORE FUNCTIONS:

1.       Acts as an integral member of the Our Mission Is Yours team.

2.       Provides a role model for persons in recovery, other staff and family members; sharing of personal experience of recovery is essential to instill a sense of hope in the recovery process.

3.       Assists in the development of a culture of recovery and peer support by engaging in and supporting peer relationships.

4.       Assists with evaluating individual persons in recovery needs, interest and progress towards personal wellness.

5.       Engaging appropriately with persons in recovery and support them in identifying strengths, existing supports and community resources. Assertively support connections to community based, mutual self-help groups.

6.       Supports persons in recovery in building and strengthening of linkages with community resources and family members.

7.       Attends and completes all mandatory staff trainings.

8.       Attends all scheduled supervision sessions with immediate supervisor or designee.

9.       Plan and develop groups appropriate to needs, interest and desires of individuals: to include WRAP, Advanced Directives, Double Trouble Peer support.

10.   Provide individual supports to individuals in crisis as part of the Rehabilitation Team.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.       Performs other duties and special projects as assigned. Work in partnership with program staff to ensure that ongoing community integration activities and outreach continues for all program graduates. Co-facilitate a community re-entry group for individuals who leave the program.

Requirements

PREREQUISITES & QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POSITION:

1.       Peer Special Certification required.

2.       A self identified current or former user of mental health or co-occurring services who can relate to others who are now using those services.

3.       High school diploma of GED.

4.       Within the last three years has 12 months (not necessarily consecutive) full or part-time paid or volunteer experience in the co-occurring field.

5.       Ability to establish trusting relationships with their peers.

6.       Commitment to recovery, choice, empowerment and the ability of people with serious mental illness or co-occurring disorders to find meaningful lives in the community.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability