Peer Support Specialist

Purpose:

Peer Support Specialist must have "lived experience" with their own mental health challenges in the past. The Peer Support Specialist provides individual support to consumers within the community that may be experiencing mental health care challenges. They help clients and their families to identify skills, life goals, and resources that they can use to enhance their own wellness and achieve their life goals. The Peer Support Specialist uses a strength-based approach to inspire hope and to develop mutuality in peer-to-peer relationships.

Accountabilities: 

• Engage individuals with a dual diagnosis of mental illness and substance abuse in specific recovery plans and interventions related to mental health symptoms and substance abuse and develop positive, hopeful, and trusting relationships.
• Train and coach individuals in positive skill-building techniques for improved life management (e.g., problem solving, identifying and overcoming fears and negative self-talk).
• Recognize and demonstrate sensitivity to cultural and ethnic differences.
• Help others succeed by demonstrating exceptional interpersonal skills, the ability to work effectively with persons with severe and persistent mental illness and addiction and the ability to react constructively in a wide variety of situations.
  • Effectively manage conflict, promote change and growth, and inspire the development of all clients served.
  • Model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies.
  • Value and respect every individual’s recovery experience.
• Assist clients in initiating and maintaining relationships with other agencies, self-help groups and external resources.
• Complete all documentation and reporting requirements thoroughly and on time.
• Interact positively and in cooperation with other members of the organization and team, including active participation in supervision activities, team meetings, continuing education, etc.
• Regularly travel and transport clients and/or families in and around the region, and provide direct care and support as needed.

Qualifications:

Education: High School diploma or GED equivalent. Current or recent studies in behavioral healthcare a plus. Complete Certified Peer Support Training and the Peer Support Certification exam within 6 months of employment. 

Experience: Have a minimum of one year in recovery as evidenced by one year of sobriety and free of psychiatric hospital admissions for two years.  The provider must self-identify as a former primary consumer of behavioral healthcare services. Preferred lived experience with both mental health and addictions.

Skills & Abilities:

• Demonstrated working knowledge of recovery and wellness philosophy and behavioral healthcare and substance abuse field.
• Ability to establish relationships with individuals and organizations of influence within the social services community, including civic groups, charitable agencies, related government entities, fundraising sources, etc.
• Must provide proof of current Driver’s License (non-suspended & non-expired)
• Must provide and maintain dependable transportation, comprehensive automobile insurance coverage, and clean driving record. Must be willing to submit to a vehicle inspection or provide proof of inspection within last year.
• Ability to build and maintain close working relationships with clients and community partners. 
• Complies with all relevant Center policies and procedures. 
• Performs other related duties as deemed appropriate by immediate supervisor or designate. 
• Ability to recognize and be sensitive to cultural and ethnic differences. 
• Must be able to safely perform essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodations. 
• Clearance through the Kansas Child Abuse/Neglect Register and criminal background check.

Work Conditions and Considerations:  

Based at a central office, travel is required to other locations, businesses, and community sites to meet organizational needs. Workday regularly includes multiple and/or conflicting demands.