Peer Support Specialist

Job Description:

Job Title: Peer Recovery Support Specialist

Location: Saint Chares, MO

Department: Recovery Services

Employment Type: Full-time

Job Summary:

We are seeking a certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist who has personal experience overcoming mental health challenges or substance use disorders and has completed a state-approved training program. This role, under the supervision of the Health Homes Project Director and Clinical Supervisor, is dedicated to supporting individuals and families in recovery. The Peer Recovery Support Specialist will use their lived experience and training to guide participants in improving their physical and mental wellness, providing a supportive environment, and advocating for access to community resources. The specialist works as part of a multidisciplinary team to ensure the successful implementation of the wellness plan for participants.

Position Perks & Benefits:

• Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement plans, and more.

• Generous Paid Time Off: [Insert number] days annually, including vacation and holiday pay.

• Training & Development: Ongoing training and development to enhance professional growth.

• Supportive Work Environment: A collaborative culture that values staff well-being.

• Employee Recognition: Acknowledgment of your contributions and impact on families and communities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Service Delivery: Provide all services and functions within the Preferred Family Healthcare Code of Conduct, adhering to company policies and employment standards.

• Health Service Systems: Assist program participants in identifying, securing, and sustaining resources that promote independent, healthy living.

• Multidisciplinary Team Support: Serve as a team member to help develop individualized family plans based on the strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences of the family. Ensure the implementation of these plans with support from team members and community providers.

• Assessments: Conduct appropriate assessments to inform the development of the individualized family plan.

• Family Engagement: Actively engage families in the wellness process by fostering natural supports, providing education, and coaching on family plan action steps. Advocate for families in both agency and community settings, guiding them through interactions with agency services and benefits.

• Wraparound Facilitation: Facilitate the wraparound process, ensuring children's/youth’s active participation in wraparound meetings and other service-related meetings.

• Wellness Plan Implementation: Familiarize yourself with each family’s plan and initiate teaching and support interventions to help families achieve their goals. Monitor and document progress.

• Resource Identification: Use judgment to identify appropriate community agencies and services to meet the unique needs of each family.

• Role Modeling: Develop a positive, non-judgmental relationship with each child and family member, modeling appropriate behavior and acting as a role model.

• Community Outreach: Facilitate presentations to community groups or other agencies regarding local resources, services, and youth group activities.

• Health Management & Self-Advocacy: Assist families in learning skills for successful health management and self-advocacy. Monitor and assess program participants' functioning and progress, updating the team on physical wellness plan goals.

• Resource Linkage: Assist team members with linking families to necessary community resources and support.

• Activity Planning: Plan and implement recreational, educational, and other wellness-promoting activities for families.

• Organizational Participation: Participate in organizational activities, including quality assurance, peer record review, and health/safety activities as directed by the Project Director.

• Other Duties: Perform all other duties as assigned by the Project Director.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Case Management Knowledge: Thorough understanding of case management methods, principles, and techniques as they relate to mental health services.

• Community Resources: Knowledge of the challenges faced by individuals with mental health and/or substance use disorders and an understanding of how to access community resources.

• Treatment Modalities: Knowledge of methods, modalities, and legal requirements related to mental health treatment.

• Training Skills: Some knowledge of training techniques and practices used in mental/behavioral health settings.

• Program Evaluation: Ability to evaluate services within the assigned program and provide feedback to improve service delivery.

• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey ideas and produce clear, concise reports.

Experience and Education Qualifications:

• Education: High School Diploma or GED is required.

• PRSS Credential: Must meet state qualifications required to obtain the Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS) credential.

• Experience: Documented experience in case management or related services is preferred.

Supervisory Requirements:

• None

Employment Requirements:

• Background Check: Successful completion of background checks, including criminal record, driving record, abuse/neglect, and fingerprint checks.

• Orientation & Training: Completion of New Hire Orientation and all required training, including Relias courses, at the beginning of employment and annually thereafter.

• Driver’s License: Current valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and current auto insurance.

• Training Requirements: Successful completion of 40 hours of prescribed classroom training within two weeks of employment or demonstrate prior completion of the certification training.

• Transportation: Reliable personal transportation is required, with a valid driver’s license and current auto insurance.

Physical Requirements:

• ADA Consideration - Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently (up to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, or pull objects, including the human body.

• Repetitive Movements: Requires repetitive hand, finger, and arm movements for tasks such as typing and writing during work shifts.

• Physical Activity: Primarily sedentary work, with occasional walking or standing. Jobs are considered sedentary if walking or standing is required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Brightli's Mission:

Brightli is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We are passionate about supporting individuals on their recovery journey and providing an environment where staff feel valued and empowered. Join us and make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.

We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, and encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability or veteran status, or to other non-work related factors.

Preferred Family Healthcare is a Smoke and Tobacco Free Workplace.