Peer Support Specialist

Job Summary:

To provide peer support services as part of a multi-disciplinary team to veterans with mental illness and/or substance abuse problems. Service provision will focus on working with clients to enhance their recovery. Service is provided to individuals or groups.

Responsibilities:

• To provide individualized, ongoing guidance, coaching and support with a Person-Centered approach.
• To provide training in the use of personal and community resources.
• Assist in developing formal and informal community supports.
• Assist the person served in increasing social support networks of relatives, friends and/or significant others.
• To offer encouragement in times of crisis.
• To advocate on behalf of persons with behavioral health problems to protect the client’s rights and to assist in reducing associated stigma.
• To work in cooperation with other providers, family members or significant others involved in the client’s recovery plan.
• To attend Agency staff meetings, Case Conferences and Individual and Group Supervision.
• To attain established standards of productivity.
• To observe all rules of confidentiality relating to clinical information and treatment, both internally and when dealing with external agencies and/or individuals.
• To be responsible for understanding client’s rights policy and procedures.
• To participate in staff training and development.
• To maintain professional standards at all times.
• To perform other related duties as assigned.

Competencies:

• Person-centered
• Recovery Oriented
• Relationship Focused
• Trauma Informed
• Advocacy Skills
• Collaboration
• Communication

Employment Qualifications:

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED required

Experience:

• Past or present consumer of mental health or substance abuse services with a history of managing one’s own illness.
• Awareness of the importance of recovery in living with a mental illness or addictions problem.
• Past experience working directly with people in a service-oriented field is beneficial.
• Active membership in a consumer advocacy or self-help group.

Skills:

• Ability to work well with others.
• Ability to interact with various types of people.
• A sound understanding of mental health and/or substance abuse problems and treatments.
• Personal traits which include: patience, tolerance, caring, mature and understanding.

Licensure:

• Not required.