Certified Peer Specialist - New Directions

Job Description Summary : Minimum starting salary $17.00 / hour

The Certified Peer Specialist is responsible for providing supportive rehabilitation and recovery support services to individuals impacted by a variety of behavioral health issues who are learning to manage aspects of their mental illness/substance abuse recovery.

Education:

Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Work Experiences:

Must be a recipient of or have received mental health services in the recent past.

Responsibilities:

• •Provide ongoing emotional support and guide, teach and coach skills for managing mental health issues.
• •Train, coach and support individuals in learning social and daily living skills.
• •Accompany to appointments to provide support, advocacy and encouragement in discussing issues with doctors and therapists.
• •Provide community living skills coaching and teaching to develop independence and self-sufficiency.
• •Assist individuals in accessing public services to include financial, housing, emergency service needs, food, shelter and clothing resources.
• •Assist in accessing support groups in the community.
• •Assist in developing Wellness and Recovery Plans with clients.
• •Assist in learning Illness Management and Recovery skills to become familiar with signs and symptoms of mental illness.
• •Teach stress reduction exercises.
• •Certified Peer Specialist shall report to and perform other work-related duties as assigned by the Assistant Director of Crisis Services.
• •Performs specified administrative tasks as determined by the Assistant Director of Crisis Services and/or Director of Crisis Services
• •Perform all other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements:

• •Normal office environment.
• •Typical demands include prolonged sitting, frequent standing, bending, stooping, and occasional lifting up to 25 pounds.
• •Requires normal range of hearing and manual dexterity sufficient to operate keyboard, telephone, photocopier, calculator, and other office equipment as needed.
• •Requires ability to work under stressful conditions and to work irregular hours and deal with irate individuals.
• •TB test upon hire.