The Peer Specialist supports individuals with psychiatric disabilities by sharing lived recovery experiences and modeling successful recovery behaviors. Key duties include assisting with mental health services, coaching daily living skills, and maintaining accurate clinical progress notes.
Requirements summary
Candidates must be at least 21 years old with a high school diploma and self-identify as a current or former recipient of mental health services. Completion of a state-approved training program and passing a standardized examination are required.
high schoolprofessional certificateCase ManagementPatient AdvocacyInterpersonal CommunicationCrisis InterventionRecovery SupportDaily Living Skills CoachingCommunity Resource LiaisonGroup FacilitationMental Health AdvocacyPIRP Documentation
Job description
Job purpose
The Peer Specialist helps individuals who have psychiatric disabilities develop a network for information and support. A Peer Specialist can share lived experiences of recovery, share and support the use of recovery tools and model successful recovery behaviors.
Qualifications
Be at least 21 years of age;
Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent;
Must self-identify as present and/or former person(s)-served of mental health services; (Lived experience)
Must complete a State approved training program and pass a standardized examination.
Meet the minimum requirements to be clinically privileged by FCC Behavioral Health.
Core Job Duties
Provides individual assistance to person(s)-served in assessing mental health services including accompanying person(s)-served to appointments to address medical or other health needs.
Acts as liaison/advocate between person(s)-served and community resources.
Training, coaching and supporting in daily living skills, including keeping a budget, paying bills and maintaining an independent residence.
Accompanying person(s)-served to activities in the community, if appropriate.
Following-up with person(s)-served regarding appointment, completion of forms, returning forms or receipts and other similar activities.
Maintains and improve professional competencies through in-service training and other educational responsibilities---especially related to co-occurring.
Development of self-help groups outside the agency.
Helping individuals develop skills and resources that foster success. Progress notes written accurately using the PIRP format and in compliance with the 5-Day Rule (and/or site policy).
Accurate and timely completion of group counseling and group education logs.
Ability to effectively utilize computer systems currently employed by FCC.
Maintain/improve professional competencies through training activities and/or other educational means.
Maintain awareness regarding the agency vision and assist staff in continuing motivation and empowerment.
Consistently complies with supervisory directives as it applies to enforcement of facility policies and procedures with person(s)-served.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals at all levels of the organization.
Listen to others to facilitate an open exchange of ideas and provide for effective communication.
Orally communicate information effectively and accurately.
Assure program operates within the constraints of the agency's certification (CARF, DMH) standards and strategic plan related to clinical care.
Maintain confidentiality, at all times, within the legal framework. Will adhere to established guidelines regarding confidentiality as well as the agency's adopted code of ethics.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of person(s)-served as outlined in the agency and site Policies and Procedure Manuals.
Maintain acceptable attendance record, respect break periods and work with supervisor to ensure coverage during any absence.
Exhibit a professional appearance, attitude and demeanor that reflects confidence, positive self-esteem and overall professionalism when working with person(s)-served, co-workers, families and referral sources.
