Peer Support Specialist (RCC)

RECOVERY COMMUNITY CENTER PEER SPECIALIST

Job Description

This position provides professional peer-based recovery support for individuals suffering from a behavioral health disorder at the Recovery Community Center (RCC). The employee is responsible for arranging/providing services to RCC participants that encourage and promote healthy functioning, recovery efforts, individual independence/self-care and self-efficacy. Peer Specialists are trained to assist their peers in the process of recovery and the power of resilience and provide hope that recovery is possible. Peer Specialists support, encourage, and model recovery and resilience from substance use disorders and mental illness in ways that are specific to the needs of each individual.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Adhere to Agency Policies and Procedures and Code of Ethics. Maintain confidentiality for RCC participants and staff at all times.

• Orient visitors to the facility and inform them of behavioral expectations and program services that are available.

• RCC peer specialists will maintain high standards of personal conduct, modeling accountable relationships and fostering wellness and self-care along with their own recovery.

• RCC peer specialists will at all times respect the rights and dignity of all RCC visitors, staff, and community stakeholders.

• RCC peer specialists will report to the program manager all behavioral incidents to in a timely manner.

• Provides appropriate referrals and individual assistance to the participants to access and utilize a variety of community supports, (e.g., mental health, health, public services, and other community resources), as indicated.

• Provides support to RCC participants experiencing a recurrence of a behavioral health disorder.

• Helping participants connect with others in recovery and their communities at large in order to develop a network for information and support.

• Sharing lived experiences of recovery, sharing and supporting the use of recovery tools, and modeling successful recovery behaviors.

• Helping RCC participants make independent choices and to take a proactive role in their recovery.

• Assisting RCC participants with identifing strengths and personal resources to aid in their setting and achieving recovery goals.

• Supporting efforts to find and maintain paid competitive integrated employment; and assisting with health and wellness activities.

• Develops and maintains professional rapport and relationships with RCC participants; develops and maintains professional, constructive and cooperative working relationships within the agency.

• Performs group facilitation, which includes generating peer-based topics.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the RCC program manager.

SUPERVISED BY:

Program Director

POSITIONS SUPERVISED:

None

QUALIFICATIONS:

This employee must have good verbal and written communication skills. High School Diploma or GED is required. Must be in recovery from a substance use disorder. Must be able to obtain, and maintain throughout course of employment, the CPS (Certified Peer Specialist) credential established by the MCB. Possess a valid driver’s license and is, and remains insurable, under the Gibson Center for Behavioral Change automobile liability insurance.