Adult Peer Support Specialist-Amethyst

Peer Support Specialist

Job Summary:

Utilizes and shares personal experience as a recipient of mental health services to benefit the team and its clients. Serves as a fully integrated team member to provide expertise about the recovery process, symptom management and the persistence required by clients. Provides peer counseling and consultation to clients, families and team staff; acts as a liaison with community resources; carries out rehabilitation and support functions; and assists in treatment, education, support and consultation as needed.

Essential Functions:

• Provide peer counseling and support, drawing on common experiences as a peer, to validate clients’ experiences and to provide guidance and encouragement to Clients to take responsibility and actively participate in their own recovery.
• Serve as a mentor to clients to promote hope and empowerment.
• Help other team members better understand and empathize with each clients’ unique and subjective experience and perceptions.
• Provide expertise and consultation from a MH consumer perspective to the entire team concerning clients’ experiences on symptoms of mental illness, the effects and side-effects of medications, clients’ responses to, and opinions of, treatment, as well as clients’ experiences of recovery.
• Help clients to identify, understand and combat stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness and develop strategies to reduce self-stigma.
• Complete required documentation a timely manner.
• Participate in the provision of treatment and substance abuse services as requested by the client.
• Assist in the provision of direct clinical services to clients on an individual, group and family basis to teach behavioral symptom-management techniques and to promote personal growth and development by assisting clients to adapt to and cope with internal and external stressors.
• Provide ongoing assessment, problem solving, skill training and environmental adaptations to assist clients with activities of daily living.
• Provide side-by-side support and coaching to help clients socialize and connect with supports in the community.
• Organize and lead individual and group social and recreational activities to structure clients’ time, increase social experiences, and provide opportunities to practice social skills.
• Assist clients in articulating personal goals for recovery through the use of one-to-one and group sessions.
• Complete after-care contact to check-in on client progress and provide reminders of upcoming appointments.
• Observe all rules of confidentiality relating to clinical information and treatment, both internally and when dealing with external agencies and/or individuals.
• Remain in compliance of Kentucky regulation 908 KAR 2:220 for Adult Peer Support regarding training, continuing education, and supervision.
• Other duties as needed or assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Experience working (either in a paid or volunteer position) with individuals with mental illness or similar populations (i.e. homeless, individuals with severe addictions).
• Associates or Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field: OR
• At least 2 years paid or volunteer work experience with adults with severe and persistent mental illnesses.
• Valid KY Driver’s license and clean driving record to be insurable by agency liability insurance company.
• Current CPR/First aid certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of beginning employment.
• Peer Specialist Certification strongly preferred or ability/willingness to obtain certification within 6 months of employment.
   

Knowledge and Skills:

• Must have been a recipient of mental health services for severe and persistent mental illness with strong self-knowledge and sufficiently progressed in their own recovery in order to be able to effectively manage their mental illness.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to establish supportive trusting relationships with persons with severe and persistent mental illnesses.
• Ability to work under pressure, to listen to client’s concerns and recommend and/or take appropriate action.
• Problem solving and conflict resolution/mediation skills.
• Commitment to the right and ability of persons with severe and persistent mental illness to live in a normal community residence; work in jobs and have access to adequate, competent and continuous supports and services.
• Clear understanding of the characteristics and problems of adults with severe mental illnesses.
• Computer literate, including basic Microsoft word applications
• Must be able to hear and communicate effectively in person and over the phone.