Peer Support Specialist

Peer Support Specialist

Engages and provides peer support to behavioral health consumers experiencing psychosis. Serves as a role model in maximizing wellness and independence through experience with issues relating to mental health. Collaborates with clinical and non-clinical team members to ensure a culture of support is reflected in member's treatment.

Responsibilities:

• Provides peer support to behavioral health consumers, including orientation to programs, service providers, and community resources.
• Encourages members, family members, and caregivers to use program resources to maximize wellness and independence. Conducts outreach to members missing appointments to reinforce engagement.
• Assist members in carrying out tasks as defined in their treatment plans.
• Attends and participates in various appointments/meetings to support and advocate for member, as required.
• Understands and addresses related cultural attitudes and practices.
• Reports on member's progress relative to experience in community settings to clinical team members. Refers appropriate questions and issues to clinical and non-clinical team members.
• May travel to member homes to provide peer-level support, as required.
• Performs related duties as required.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent, required.
• Minimum of one (1) year active participation in mental health self-help activities, peer support or peer advocacy programs, or participant run organizations or similar experiences, required.
• State certification as a Peer Specialist, required or must obtain within 6 months of hire date.
• Successful completion of Site training program within normal probationary period, required.
• Demonstrated support skills and enthusiasm for assisting medically underserved populations, preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively. Bilingual, preferred.
• Reliable access to transportation and telephone, required.

The salary range for this position is $20/hour.