Peer Support Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY:  The Forensic Peer Specialist is responsible for providing support and guidance, while mentoring clients who have been released from prison or jail, some with severe and persistent mental illness in a community setting.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· Assists individuals with developing their individual service plans.

· Shares personal recovery stories and describes personal experiences to inspire and support individuals throughout the recovery process, as appropriate.

· Assists individuals with the development of mental health advanced preferences.

· Supports individuals with problem solving related to their reintegration into the community.

· Advises and informs individuals on community resources, including housing, employment, education, transportation, recreation, health, religious/spiritual, and other resources to meet their individual recovery goals.

· Provides individuals with support and guidance recognizing the early signs of crisis, developing crisis plans, and implementing identified coping strategies.

· Assists individuals with developing and maintaining positive personal and social support networks.

· Assists individuals with developing their self-help skills and cultivates their ability to make informed, independent choices.

· Plans and facilitates practical activities for individuals to increase their self-worth and improve their self-concepts.

· Assists in facilitating skills-based groups.

· Attends treatment/recovery team meetings.

· Documents services provided to individuals/groups.

· Acts as an advocate for individuals to facilitate positive changes in their recovery.

· Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with the Judiciary, District Attorneys, Public Defenders, Parole Agents, DSH staff, and local law enforcement officials as needed.

· Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist (CMPSS) certification required 

· Experience working in a psychiatric hospital, behavioral health, correctional facility, or a community behavioral health center preferred.

· Strong understanding of the challenges faced by people reentering society after incarceration

· Knowledge of mental health peer support services required.

· Ability to interact with varied levels of managerial, clinical, court, and administrative staff in housing and community 

· Ability to pay attention to detail

· One (1) year experience in mental health 

· Experience working in the adult residential care industry is preferred.

· Ability to work independently and be self-motivated in an often-ambiguous environment.

· Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively work with individuals and groups.

· MS Office Suite proficiency: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.

· Highly organized and detail oriented, with the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

· Proven track record with maintaining strict confidentiality and appropriately work with sensitive information/documents.

· Act as a team member providing input and reporting observations and concerns regarding client care.

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

· Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.