Peer Specialist

Responsibilities

Primary Job Function and Responsibilities :

• Promoting self-determination, recovery, self-advocacy, and self-direction; assisting individuals in identifying strengths; wellness goals; setting objectives, and identifying barriers;
• Attending treatment team meetings with the individual to promote the individual's use of self-directed advocacy tools; assisting the individual in goal planning, assisting the individual in learning how to ask for appropriate services in the community;
• Assisting individuals in obtaining information about their benefits (SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, etc.).
• Engaging individuals in outpatient programs and services to encourage recovery;
• Modeling self-advocacy skills;
• Teaching wellness management strategies and helping individuals develop their own self-management plans / tools to use in their personal lives; using manualized strategies such as IMR / WMR, WRAP, and others;
• Connecting to support groups in the community to learn from other peers, to promote hope, to problem-solve through work situations, and to decrease social isolation;
• Providing education to other staff to increase their understanding of self-advocacy and peer support roles, and to promote a culture in which an individuals’ points of view and preferences are recognized, understood, respected, and integrated into service delivery;
• Providing resources and teaching transportation skills (teaching bus routes, etc.);
• Sharing his or her own personal story to model how to choose, obtain, and maintain stability;
• Supporting individuals in making informed decisions about treatment, housing, benefits, and building community connections;
• Supporting the individuals in developing crisis plans and safety plans;
• Building social skills in the community that will enhance recovery;
• Assisting in overcoming barriers to recovery and addressing challenges;
• Assisting in obtaining the proper documentation necessary for benefits, employment, and housing;
• Assisting the individual in completing paperwork;
• Exploring aspirations with the individual;
• Leading recovery support groups and NA / AA meetings with the job seeker if appropriate

Supervision and Consultation :

Record Keeping :

Courteous and respectful towards consumers, visitors and co-workers :

Administrative and Other Related Duties as Assigned :

Qualifications

High school diploma or its equivalent; must be a current or former recipient of mental health services for no less than one (1) year; ability to identify as a consumer of mental health services and speak openly regarding personal diagnosis and treatment; a valid, verifiable driver’s license, a good driving record, reliable transportation and verifiable vehicle liability insurance; ability to attend out-of-town Peer Specialist training for certification; demonstrated experience with and knowledge of the Alabama public mental health system; knowledge of adult specific competencies, outlined below, to be attained within six (6) months of employment :

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