Peer Support Specialist (52347)

Position Summary:

The Wellness Peer Support Specialist assists individuals with substance abuse and/or mental health diagnoses. Assists in developing skills and competencies needed to successfully build a personal support network and to live and work competitively in the community. The role of the Peer Support Specialist is to provide recovery support, consumer education, consumer intervention, and consumer advocacy. The Peer Support Specialist also provides the consumer perspective to recovery and empowers the consumer.

• Conduct skills building groups and other activities assigned by the supervisor
• Acts as an appropriate role model for consumers
• Provides coaching and mentoring services to consumers as assigned by the supervisor
• Serve as a family/individual representative and advocate in program/agency activities.
• Assist in the facilitation of individual/family support and educational groups.
• Provide Peer support to individuals by using personal and professional life experiences.
• Respond to the individualized needs and preferences of individuals, stakeholders and system partners.
• Assist individuals to identify and build natural support systems as well as self-advocacy and self-efficacy skills.
• Actively promote and educate individuals on the availability and benefits of peer support services, ensuring they are aware that these services are available at any point throughout their treatment.
• Assist individuals to develop a Wellness Recovery Action Plan when needed.
• Provide peer support services to additional populations, as needed
• Participate in performance improvement activities
• Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision and goals of WestCare Foundation.
• Complete all orientation and mandated training activities, including E-Learning Courses, within required timeframes, and in accordance with the criteria established for this position.
• Plan, coordinate, and facilitate wellness groups and recovery-oriented activities focused on physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and behavioral health.
• Deliver psychoeducational and peer-led groups that support recovery, relapse prevention, stress management, healthy coping skills, mindfulness, and self-care.
• Build supportive and therapeutic relationships with clients while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Assist clients in identifying strengths, recovery goals, and wellness strategies to promote self-esteem and empowerment.
• Support clients in developing individualized wellness and recovery plans.
• Assist clients in identifying barriers to recovery and exploring solutions.
• Encourage participation in recovery support networks, self-help groups, and community resources.
• Meet with clients individually to provide mentoring, encouragement, and recovery support.
• Assist clients with problem-solving, goal setting, and skill development related to recovery and wellness.
• Complete required documentation, group notes, progress notes, attendance records, and wellness activity reports accurately and timely.
• Maintain compliance with agency policies, licensing regulations, and confidentiality requirements.
• Participate in treatment team meetings/ case conferences and communicate relevant observations regarding client progress and wellness goals.
• Coordinate with counselors, case managers, nursing staff, and other treatment professionals to support continuity of care.
• Encourage participation in treatment services and wellness activities.
• Assist clients in developing motivation, accountability, and commitment to recovery.
• Educate clients about community-based recovery resources, housing supports, vocational services, healthcare resources, and other supportive services.
• Assist clients with accessing resources that support sustained recovery after discharge.
• Model respectful, recovery-oriented behavior and uphold program expectations.
• Monitor group dynamics and address conflicts or concerns appropriately.
• Follow safety procedures and report incidents according to facility policy.
• Adhere to ethical guidelines, confidentiality standards (HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 as applicable), and organizational policies.
• Participate in required trainings, supervision, and professional development activities.
• Perform any other duties as assigned.

• Certification as a certified peer specialist in good standing and recognized by the Florida Certification Board is preferred at time of hire. Peer certification can be completed via ongoing coaching and training on site within 1 year of hiring date. If the Peer Support Specialist is certified, he/she must comply with annual CEU requirements.; Preference will be given to those candidates who are currently certified;

• High School Diploma or GED is required. 
• Two (2) years of college-level education is preferred

• Must be a current or former substance abuse or mental health care service recipient who is engaged in own recovery for a minimum of two years demonstrated by an effort of self-directed recovery. May not be a current recipient of residential care.
• Experience working with individuals diagnosed with mental health/ substance abuse population is preferred
• Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain and maintain WestCare’s vehicle insurance is required;
• Must have availability to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends.
• Maintains confidential files and records.
• Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written form with consumers, peers, and staff
• Demonstrates good reliability in attendance
• Demonstrates an ability to meet deadlines and to complete tasks
• Ability to use time efficiently
• Ability to follow policies and procedures
• Ability to respond appropriately to supervisory directives or negotiate appropriately
• Knowledge of and ability to apply appropriate ethical principles and practices
• Ability to recognize and maintain appropriate boundaries with consumers, peers, staff, and supervisors
• Ability to treat others with dignity and respect
• Understanding of federal, state, and agency standards regarding the confidentiality of consumer information and the ability to maintain confidential information
• The ability to identify the needs of a consumer that cannot be met by the counselor or agency and to assist the consumer to utilize the support systems and community resources available.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret agency and grant required documents
• Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints
• Ability to read, write and speak English as well as Spanish and/or Creole is preferred.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence as well as speak effectively before groups (family, youth, staff and community) is preferred
• Ability to apply basic mathematical concepts.
• Knowledge of WestCare Mission, goals and values
• Knowledge of Incident Reporting
• Familiarity with WestCare services and programs
• The ability to identify the needs of a consumer that cannot be met by the counselor or agency and to assist the consumer to utilize the support systems and community resources available.
• Demonstrates ability to work effectively with staff and consumers
• Demonstrated respect for an individual’s values when interacting with staff and consumers
• Articulates a working definition of trauma
• Understanding of issues related to individuals with varied identities in prevention, intervention, and treatment
• Understands that individuals have different perceptions of health
• Demonstrates respect for individuals when conducting assessments, developing Wellness and Recovery Plans, and providing services
• Understands that individuals with distinct community backgrounds define and perceive family and its importance differently
• Demonstrates ability to work effectively with individuals with distinct community backgrounds
• Understands re-traumatization
• Ability to create a safe, welcoming physical, supportive, and relational environment for consumers and staff
• Demonstrates a high degree of dependability.
  • Maintains a good attendance record.
  • Observes working hours
  • Shows flexibility and is responsive to requests from supervisor
  • Works independently with minimal supervision
  • Exhibits characteristics of good workmanship, and integrity on the job
  • Work time is always productive
• Demonstrates ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with consumers, co-workers, external partners, and regulatory agencies
  • Is courteous to consumers, staff, and all others.
  • Demonstrates tact at the appropriate time.
  • Cooperates with others both within and outside WestCare.
  • Works well with supervisor; accepts direction and supervision
  • Maintains a positive attitude toward work
• Ensures and maintains a safe working environment.
  • Work area is clean and orderly.
  • Verbalizes, understands and adheres to agency safety procedures.
  • Demonstrates appropriate use of Unusual Incident Reports, in accordance with the Center’s reporting procedures
• Presents a positive personal image
• Dresses and maintains a professional demeanor
• CPR Certification, First Aid Certification and an annual Tuberculosis test.
• Ability utilize Microsoft Office Software Suite
• Ability to utilize internal electronic health record software
• Ability to provide an Affidavit of Good Moral Character
• Clearance in Pre-Employment Drug Testing and Criminal Records Checks, as required.

• Work is primarily performed in an office or residential treatment setting
• Some outdoor activities may be required.

The employee must be able to perform the following essential duties and activities with or without accommodation:

• Requires mobility and physical activity: Having an adequate range of body motion and mobility to work in an office, residential, or outdoor environment including standing and walking (even and uneven surfaces), sitting for extended periods of time, bending, twisting, reaching, balancing, occasional lifting and carrying of up to 50 pounds. Use of computer and telephone systems is required which includes coordination of eye and hand, and fine manipulation by the hands (typing, writing, and working with files). Requires the ability to defend oneself and clients in physically abusive situations through the use of approved physical de-escalation techniques.
• Requires talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Talking is required to impart oral information to employees, clients, patients, and the public, and in those activities in which the employee is required to convey detailed or important spoken instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly.
• Requires hearing: Hearing is required to receive and communicate detailed information through oral communication.
• Requires seeing: Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less and at distance. This factor is required to complete paperwork for many of the employee’s essential job functions and to observe client behavior and activities in and out of the facility.
• The normal work routine may involve exposure to human blood, body fluids or tissues. Appropriate personal protective equipment will be readily available to every employee.
   

• Requires the ability to collect and analyze complex numerical and written data and verbal information to reach logical conclusions.
• Requires the ability to work and cooperate with clients, co-workers, managers, the public and employees at all levels in order to exchange ideas, information, instructions and opinions.
• Requires the ability to work under stress and in emotionally charged settings.
• The ability to defend oneself and clients in mentally/verbally abusive situations through the use of approved mental/verbal de-escalation techniques.