Peer Support Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY:

Person in this position is responsible for providing peer leadership, outreach, advocacy, coaching, and recovery support services to those seeking or sustain recovery within the community. Job Functions include those listed below.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Serve as a positive role-model to individuals and their families, sharing experiential knowledge and skills.
• Works with individuals, families, and groups to provide outreach and emotional support.
• Educate and refer clients to community agencies and businesses that appropriately address their need for food, shelter, clothing, employment, transportation, social service benefits, etc.
• Provides warm hand off to community resources, services, and supports.
• Provide services that promote wellness, recovery, and resiliency.
• Assist clients with establishing or re-establishing support systems within their community.
• Engage with the family members of (or other persons significant to) those in crisis to educate them about self-care and ways to provide support
• Participate in clinical staffing decisions regarding the patients’ current strengths and resources and their need for additional resources.
• Engages individuals and families in crisis planning process using evidenced based practices including Motivational Interviewing and Mental Health First Aid.
• Facilitates stabilization and care coordination services post-acute intervention.
• Provides after hours services on a rotation schedule.
• Completes all orientation and mandated training activities, including E-Learning Courses, within required timeframes, and in accordance with the criteria established for this position.
• Must embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation; and
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Experience and Competencies:

• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Adherence to the highest standard of ethical conduct, especially to standards governing confidentiality.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Must be culturally/linguistically sensitive to populations served.
• Ability to obtain and maintain clearance from DCF.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain and maintain WestCare’s vehicle insurance is required.
• During your tenure with WestCare there may be new requirements, including, but not limited to vaccinations that are issued by local, State, Federal, and/or Funders that WestCare may have to comply with. Should this occur Human Resources or appropriate personnel will inform you.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Training and/or experience in Crisis Intervention is preferred.
• Two (2) years demonstrated recovery time from a significant mental health and/or substance abuse disorder at the date of application and within the last year either maintained at least 12 months of successful work or volunteer experience.
• Familiarity with Monroe County.
• High School Diploma or equivalent.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:

• Certified Recover Peer Specialists or Certified Recovery Support Specialist through the Florida Certification Board must be obtained within one (1) year of hire; preference will be given to candidates who are currently certified.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is primarily performed in a professional office/residential setting.
• Some outdoor activities may be required.
• Some travel is required.