Certified Peer Support Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

The Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) is responsible for assisting with the day-to-day operations of activities and programs for the benefit, support, and enhancement of life quality for individuals supported primarily in their living environments and include but are not limited to behavioral interventions such as modeling, behavior modification, and behavior rehearsal.

The Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) provides recovery-oriented, person-centered support to individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges. Drawing from lived experience and specialized training, the CPSS uses a strengths-based approach to inspire hope, promote wellness, and support others in achieving their self-defined recovery goals.

In this role, the CPSS works collaboratively with clients and multidisciplinary teams to offer emotional support, mentorship, advocacy, and resource navigation. Responsibilities include facilitating wellness strategies, sharing personal recovery experiences to encourage empowerment, assisting with goal setting, and connecting individuals to community-based services such as housing, employment, and healthcare.

The ideal candidate demonstrates strong communication skills, empathy, and a deep understanding of recovery principles. Certification as a Peer Support Specialist is required, along with the ability to maintain professional boundaries and uphold confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and organizational policies.

It is the responsibility of the Certified Peer Support Specialist to acknowledge and respect that your role is to support individuals in their living environment in a manner you would expect in your own; To ensure that all actions are intended to enhance the life of those you support; To maintain the individuals you support in the highest regard and ensure others do as well.

The primary role of this position is to serve on a team comprised of three (4) staff persons qualified to provide services to adults (age 18 and older, for State funded, for Medicaid –funded services for adults begin at age 21) with mental health and substance abuse issues. The team provides rehabilitative services and supports necessary to assist adults in achieving rehabilitative and recovery goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

• Provides psycho-education as indicated in the Person Centered Plan.
• Assists with crisis interventions
• Participating in the initial development, implementation, and ongoing revision of the Person Centered Plan
• Assists the Team Leader with behavioral and substance abuse treatment interventions
• Assists with the development of relapse prevention and disease management strategies linkage to the most clinically appropriate and effective services including arranging for psychological and psychiatric services
• Coordinates time at the location where services are being performed as specified in the service definition for that service.
• Provides staff with individual-specific training and training in the knowledge, skill and abilities required by the population and age to be served (adult 18 and older with MH/SA issues).
• Communicating the recipient’s progress and the effectiveness of the strategies and interventions to the Team Leader as outlined in the Person Centered Plan
• Ensuring that the individual is meeting their greatest potential for independence
• Assisting consumers in attending professional appointments, life skills, independence, and rehabilitation as necessary according to the Person Centered Plan
• Ensuring linkage to community services and resources

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

All staff providing CST services must have a minimum of one year documented experience with the adult population. Minimum highest grade level is 12th, with relevant post secondary training in the fields of health care, psychology, youth & childcare, parenting, and substance abuse education are all assets considered.

• At least one year of experience supporting individuals with Behavioral/Mental Health Challenges and/or Substance Abuse Issues
• Behavior Management techniques
• Substance Abuse counseling/support
• Ability to provide guidance and training of life skills
• Ability to implement Individualized Treatment Plans and monitor progress towards goals
• Recreation leadership
• Ability to interact effectively including oral and written communications
• Physically able to carry out duties
• A pleasant, positive nurturing personality who identifies the importance of the essence of home and enhancement of life

Work Environment:

Work is performed primarily in the client’s living environment and in the community and may involve exposure to cigarette smoke, domestic animals/pets, household pests, uncomfortable heating/cooling, and other issues related to the domestic location in which service is delivered.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $19.00 - $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Morning shift
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Commute:

• Rockingham, NC 28380 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Rockingham, NC 28380: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $19 - $22