Adult Peer Support Specialist - Pearl

Job Summary:

Utilizes and shares personal experience as a recipient of mental health services to benefit the team and its clients. Serves as a fully integrated team member to provide expertise about the recovery process, symptom management and the persistence required by clients. Provides peer counseling and consultation to clients, families and team staff; acts as a liaison with community resources; carries out rehabilitation and support functions; and assists in treatment, education, support and consultation as needed.

Essential Functions:

1. Provide peer counseling and support, drawing on common experiences as a peer, to validate clients’ experiences and to provide guidance and encouragement to Clients to take responsibility and actively participate in their own recovery.
2. Serve as a mentor to clients to promote hope and empowerment.
3. Help other team members better understand and empathize with each clients’ unique and subjective experience and perceptions.
4. Provide expertise and consultation from a MH consumer perspective to the entire team concerning clients’ experiences on symptoms of mental illness, the effects and side-effects of medications, clients’ responses to, and opinions of, treatment, as well as clients’ experiences of recovery.
5. Help clients to identify, understand and combat stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness and develop strategies to reduce self-stigma.
6. Complete required documentation a timely manner.
7. Participate in the provision of treatment and substance abuse services as requested by the client.
8. Assist in the provision of direct clinical services to clients on an individual, group and family basis to teach behavioral symptom-management techniques and to promote personal growth and development by assisting clients to adapt to and cope with internal and external stressors.
9. Provide ongoing assessment, problem solving, skill training and environmental adaptations to assist clients with activities of daily living.
10. Provide side-by-side support and coaching to help clients socialize and connect with supports in the community.
11. Organize and lead individual and group social and recreational activities to structure clients’ time, increase social experiences, and provide opportunities to practice social skills.
12. Assist clients in articulating personal goals for recovery through the use of one-to-one and group sessions.
13. Complete after-care contact to check-in on client progress and provide reminders of upcoming appointments.
14. Observe all rules of confidentiality relating to clinical information and treatment, both internally and when dealing with external agencies and/or individuals.
15. Remain in compliance of Kentucky regulation 908 KAR 2:220 for Adult Peer Support regarding training, continuing education, and supervision.
16. Other duties as needed or assigned.

Education and Experience:

1. Experience working (either in a paid or volunteer position) with individuals with mental illness or similar populations (i.e. homeless, individuals with severe addictions).
2. Associates or Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field: OR
3. At least 2 years paid or volunteer work experience with adults with severe and persistent mental illnesses.
4. Valid KY Driver’s license and clean driving record to be insurable by agency liability insurance company.
5. Current CPR/First aid certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of beginning employment.
6. Peer Specialist Certification strongly preferred or ability/willingness to obtain certification within 6 months of employment.

Knowledge and Skills:

1. Must have been a recipient of mental health services for severe and persistent mental illness with strong self-knowledge and sufficiently progressed in their own recovery in order to be able to effectively manage their mental illness.
2. Strong communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to establish supportive trusting relationships with persons with severe and persistent mental illnesses.
3. Ability to work under pressure, to listen to client’s concerns and recommend and/or take appropriate action.
4. Problem solving and conflict resolution/mediation skills.
5. Commitment to the right and ability of persons with severe and persistent mental illness to live in a normal community residence; work in jobs and have access to adequate, competent and continuous supports and services.
6. Clear understanding of the characteristics and problems of adults with severe mental illnesses.
7. Computer literate, including basic Microsoft word applications
8. Must be able to hear and communicate effectively in person and over the phone.