Certified Peer Specialist-ITCD Program

Job Description Summary: 
The ITCD Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPS) is a member of the Integrated Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders (ITCD) Team within the Adult CPR program.  The ITCD CPS is responsible for providing supportive rehabilitation and recovery support services to individuals impacted by a variety of behavioral health concerns related to substance use and mental health diagnoses who are learning to navigate their recovery journeys.  They demonstrate a warm and welcoming, empathic, hopeful attitude and are committed to the shared philosophy of dual recovery (from behavioral health disorders and/or substance use).  The Peer Specialist is trained and experienced in using their own recovery story to foster connection with and instill hope in the individuals we serve.  This position reports directly to a QMHP-level supervisor.

Education: 
•    High school diploma or equivalent 

Responsibilities:
•    Provides ongoing emotional support and guidance.  Teaches strategies for managing behavioral health issues.
•    Trains, coaches, and supports individuals who are learning social skills, activities of daily living, coping skills, and problem-solving techniques.
•    Accompanies individuals to appointments to offer support, advocacy, and encouragement in discussing issues with doctors and therapists. 
•    Provides community living skills coaching and teaching to promote independence and self-sufficiency. 
•    Assists individuals with accessing public services and community resources to include financial, housing, emergency service needs, food, shelter, and clothing. 
•    Assists with accessing support groups in the community. 
•    Develops Wellness and Recovery Action Plans (WRAP) with clients. 
•    Teaches Illness Management and Recovery skills to become increase individuals’ knowledge of signs and symptoms of mental illness. 
•    Assists individuals with learning to budget and with improving their executive functioning skills.  
•    Performs other duties as assigned.
 

Physical Requirements:
•    Requires prolonged sitting, frequent standing, bending, squatting, kneeling, and reaching above shoulder level frequently, climbing and twisting occasionally 
•    Requires a typical range of hearing and manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer keyboard, telephone, photocopier, calculator, and other office equipment as needed 
•    Requires repetitive use of hands for simple grasping and fine manipulation 
•    Requires standing, sitting, or walking for up to 8 hours or longer per workday 
•    TB test upon hire.