Peer Specialist (Mental Health Services)

Responsibilities

• Implements Peer Support-oriented Treatment Plan interventions with PS.
• Shares personal experiences; provides support, education, and advocacy to PS, especially at times of service and life transitions.
• Engage PS in non-directive and supportive relationships that promote empowerment and self-learning.
• Assists PS in linking to other community services and build Recovery and support networks outside the service system.
• Facilitates Peer Support groups. Connects PS with both psychiatric conditions and substance use/addiction to recovery tools and resources.
• Provides information and training on recovery and self-management plans and strategies – including facilitating the PSs completion of a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) individually or in a group.
• Promotes initial and sustained engagement of PS. Maintains close contact with PS who struggle with initial or sustained engagement in ACCS.
• Promotes healthcare and employment services access for PS.
• Promotes engagement, safe housing, community tenure, achievement of greater self-sufficiency and successful completion of service for all PS.
• Helps maximize choices available to PS as well as their self-determination and participation and decision-making in the planning, delivery and evaluation of their treatment, care coordination, and support services.
• Assists PS in strengthening relationships with chosen family and friends.
• Helps PS develop self-advocacy skills, individually or in groups.
• Provides on-going problem solving, skill training, and side-by-side support to help PSs improve their daily living skills and abilities. Model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies for PS.
• Teaches and consults with ACCS staff to reinforce and improve their understanding of recovery values, person-centered language, and the perspectives of Persons Served.
• Use recovery-oriented, person-centered, motivational interviewing, harm-reduction, Housing First, Stages of Change, Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP); trauma-informed, culturally competent, and strengths-based approaches.
• Visits all GLE and SIE settings regularly to provide Peer Support.
• Facilitates Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) groups.
• Engages as a member of the Peer Specialist Community of Practice Workgroup, for continuous role competency development and learning.
• Completes any needed documentation only in accordance with Certified Peer Specialist training standards.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills

• Willing to use and share their personal, practical experience of recovery process, wellness management, and the personal effort and commitment required for PS to have a full and satisfying life in the community.
• Strong commitments to the right and ability of people served to live, work, have meaningful relationships, and receive the resources and support needed in their community of choice.
• Knowledge of Peer Support and other applicable Codes of Ethics standards and practices.
• Knowledge of person-centered, strengths-based, recovery-oriented values, principles and modalities.
• Knowledge of Peer Support practices and ethical standards.
• Ability to create and maintain supportive, trusting relationships with persons served by ACCS.
• Commitment to maintain confidentiality of persons served.
• Knowledge of engagement and participatory planning techniques.
• Sensitivity to the cultural, religious, ethnic, disability, and gender differences of persons served.
• Knowledge and use of advocacy techniques.
• Respect for and knowledge of legal, civil, and human rights of persons served.
• Knowledge of community and other resources.
• Ability to work independently as well as a part of a team.