Peer Specialist (BHCC)

Position Summary:

Under direct supervision, provides a broad range of paraprofessional activities to participants engaged in

Behavioral Health Crisis Services. Provides one-on-one recovery coaching, participates in treatment team planning, facilitates group skills training and education, documents all client interactions in electronic health record (EHR).

Job Responsibilities and Performance Standards:

1. Provides individual recovery coaching sessions utilizing Motivational Interviewing techniques to offer individual coaching and support.
   1. Supports and promotes multiple pathways to recovery.
   2. Assists with strength-based development of skills utilizing your own lived experiences in

recovery.

1. 1. Assists client to identify and link to community resources that promote and support recovery.
   2. Documents in EHR the individual and group interactions and progress by end of shift on

same day of service.

1. 1. Complies with client confidentiality as specified by department policy.
2. Completes treatment plan reviews and updates with client, family members, significant others and

appropriate community agencies (with appropriate consents in place.)

1. 1. Attends treatment team meetings scheduled by other team members.
   2. Assists the client and team with identifying appropriate group activities based on assessed needs.

c. Participates in the development and update of treatment plans with client and treatment team.

d. Utilizes recovery coaching sessions to help client identify individualized goals based on their strengths, needs, abilities and preferences.

e. Provides appropriate input based on client’s recovery status, interviews with client and

observation of the client.

1. Provides group skills training and education sessions.
   1. Attends training on evidenced-based group training modalities.
   2. Follows evidence-based curriculum requirements to conduct daily group skills or education sessions that support wellness and recovery.
   3. Provides appropriate emotional support, encouragement and coaching to clients and assist in the resolution of problems.
   4. Refers to clinician or team leader for any services or discussions outside scope of Peer Specialist coaching practice.
2. Monitors client progress toward treatment goals.
   1. Provides appropriate input in developing and maintaining a network of community contacts.
   2. Assists client with self-monitoring of goals and steps to reach those goals.
   3. Provides appropriate communication to treatment team regarding client treatment progress.
3. Maintains appropriate credentials and attends trainings as necessary.
   1. Attends community seminars and meetings if schedule allows and approved by supervisor.
   2. Maintains continuing education program for Peer Certification as either CPS-MH or CPS-AD/CARES.
   3. Follows ethical code of conduct.
   4. Maintains appropriate boundaries.
   5. Maintains knowledge by reading up-to-date articles, books, etc.
4. Documents all client and client-related interactions in client’s EHR.
   1. Completes required agency training on the EHR.
   2. Submits all documentation by the close of business on the same day of service.
   3. 2nd signatures supervisor on documentation as directed by supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Candidates must have a diagnosis of mental illness, addiction, or a dual diagnosis of mental illness and addictive disease and a strong desire to identify themselves as a person with mental illness (current or former consumer of mental health services).
  • Applicants must hold a GED or High School diploma and be at least 18 years of age. You may be requested to provide a copy of this document.
  • Applicants must have demonstrated experience with leadership, advocacy, or governance, and be well grounded in your recovery (per CPS and  CPS-AD/CARES guidelines).

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in a related social services field. A commitment and dedication to working with adults with severe and persistent mental illness and a willingness to provide treatment to clients in their homes and other community settings.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

Must be a certified Peer Specialist or CARES to retain this position.