This position functions as a non-clinical, peer-based individual who engages, educates and supports an individual to make life changes necessary to recover from disabling mental illness and/or substance use disorder conditions.

This position will facilitate outreach activities to strengthen referrals among community-based addictions, behavioral, and mental health organizations. This position will also provide resource navigation, mentorship, and support services to participants.

The Peer Recovery Specialist (PRS) will follow best practices to provide behavioral health services that foster supportive peer relationships with and among the persons enrolled in behavioral health services and other related programs. The PRS, by definition, is a person in recovery who will utilize her/his personal recovery experience to instill a sense of hope and optimism for persons in recovery. The PRS will demonstrate a personal belief in recovery and a sincere interest in the welfare of persons in recovery. The PRS will demonstrate the ability to engage and serve the consumers enrolled, contribute to the overall success of the consumer’s recovery process, and carry out duties with flexibility and an individual focus. The PRS will promote and contribute to the development of a culture of recovery and empowerment within and outside the agency, and will uphold the integrity of program goals. In addition, the PRS will complete detailed and accurate encounter notes and other reports to document program measures including but not limited to Monthly Programmatic Report to BHS Baltimore. The PRS will conduct peer support groups to assist persons enrolled in behavioral health services to realize their personal goals in treatment, employment, education, and all other life-changing opportunities.

Act as an integral member of the Behavioral Health Service Team.

Provide a role model for persons enrolled seeking recovery and treatment services, other staff members, and service providers in the treatment process.

Share personal experiences of recovery to build a sense of hope in the recovery and supportive services.

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

Work with clients served to assist them in the development and implementation of an individualized and integrated Recovery Support Service plan.

Engage appropriately with persons enrolled to support them in identifying strengths, existing supports, and community resources.

Support those enrolled in obtaining individualized goals through building and strengthening of linkages with community resources and family members.

Provide recovery and supportive services education for persons enrolled, staff, and family members. This will include but is not limited to: Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP) for enrollees, Self-help/mutual peer support groups, training and orientation of new enrollees, and training and orientation for staff and Team members.

Work cooperatively with the Social Work and Mental Health professionals to conduct recovery groups.

Collect data and provide feedback on goal attainment and other supportive service linkage success to primary supervisor.

As directed by the Supervisor, network with Mental Health, Substance Abuse, Social Work Case Management and other supportive service agencies and organizations, to build integrated support systems.

Accompany and support persons enrolled in social/leisure, educational, occupational, and/or advocacy-based community integration activities.

Refer and assist clients in obtaining necessary supportive services and provide input concerning service shortfalls and successes to the Supervisor.

Collect data and report on client follow-up and retention success measures.

Attend meetings, training functions and other official Peer Support functions as required.

Safeguard confidential information.

Comply with Agency policies.

Comply with applicable local, state, and federal licensing

Project a positive image of the Agency and its programs to the community, and the Agency clients.

Perform other Peer related duties as assigned

REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have completed the state approved CCAR/WRAP training and/or be a Certified Peer Recovery Specialists.

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

Demonstrate an understanding of Recovery Supportive Services.

Have a High School diploma or GED.

Has maintained sobriety/recovery for a period of no less than 2 years.

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

Ability to establish a trusting relationship with peers, including excellent interpersonal skills.

Detail oriented with good writing and organizational abilities.

Ability to network within the community and work with diverse populations.

Knowledgeable in Microsoft Word and Excel.

Maintain CPRS credentialing and remain in good standing with Maryland Addiction and Behavioral-health Professionals Certification Board (MABPCB)