Peer Support Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY

Behavioral Health Peer Specialist to provide in person and telephone-based support, coordination of care, and support of patients within Health Center as part of the CCBHC Program.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assist patients in articulating personal recovery goals through groups and individual sessions.

• Provide community outreach to connect patients and family members to services.

• May co-facilitate family network meetings.

• Utilize Motivational Interviewing to effectively engage patients in treatment, recovery and after care services.

• Functions as integral part of multi-disciplinary treatment team.

• Educate and role model the value of individual’s recovery experience.

• Promote patient’s advocacy in accessing services in multiple systems.

• With guidance from other treatment team members, utilize and teach problem solving strategies with individuals and groups.

• Provide peer support services based on clinical needs as identified in the patient’s treatment and recover plans.

• Peer Advocate will support patients in the identification of their strengths and resources to aid in the achieving treatment goals.

• Provide community resources and linkages to vocational, recreational, social, educational and spiritual resources.

• Identify and utilize established tools to assist patients in developing wellness and recovery plans that are individualized.

• Assist the treatment team in the monitoring of recovery and treatment outcomes.

• In collaboration with the treatment team will work closely with patients in deciding steps to achieve goals that are self-directed towards recovery.

• Facilitate peer support groups.

• Model effective coping skills for patients.

• May attend external meetings with patients.

• May document in the clinical record as required by regulation.

The above is intended to describe the essential job functions, the general supplemental functions and the essential requirements for the performance of the job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of all the job functions

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

High School Diploma/GED required, Peer Certification preferred with High School Diploma or GED, or willingness to become certified. Experience as a peer, paid or volunteer preferred.

Recommended certifications include: Certified Recovery Peer Advocate Certification (CRPA), Certified Recovery Peer Advocate Training (CRPA-P), OMH Peer Specialist Certified, or OASAS Peer Specialist Certified.