Peer Support Specialist - The Lodge

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

Peer Support Specialist is responsible for providing peer to peer support services including : monitoring, informing, supporting, assisting and empowering clients and their family members / caregivers who directly or indirectly receive behavioral health services; developing and coordinating activities, programs and resources which directly support clients and family members / caregivers in achieving wellness and recovery oriented goals; facilitating peer to peer assistance as a part of a team setting; conducting outreach to clients, family members / caregivers and the community; and acting in a liaison role between clients, family members / caregivers and community service providers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following :

• Provides peer support and self-help services to behavioral health clients and their family members / caregivers in individual or group settings on site in county programs as well as in the community.
• Under direction of clinical / supervisory staff, assists in coordinating clinical services, provides linkage to other services and resources, monitors, supports, assists and empowers clients and family members / caregivers who directly or indirectly receive behavioral health services.
• Assists the Department in gathering client and family member / caregiver perspectives and ensuring it is considered in policy and program development.
• Assists in the development and coordination of activities, programs and resources which support clients and family members / caregivers in achieving wellness and recovery goals such as self-help and peer-led groups.
• Provides skill training to clients and family members / caregivers on tasks related to recovery focused independent living such as self-empowerment, self-responsibility, public transportation, housing applications, interviews, shopping, etc. Serves as a role model for recovery
• Assists and advocates for clients and family members / caregivers as they navigate through the system of care including : assisting with referral follow through; transition to different levels of care; providing information on support resources; facilitating and encouraging family member / caregiver involvement as appropriate.
• Prepares and supports clients and family members / caregivers in a variety of client and family centered activities such as case consultation / staff meetings, hearings, interviews, completion of satisfaction surveys, focus groups, and stakeholder input opportunities.
• Documents activities in accordance with Department and program requirements.
• Support client’s vocational choices and assists them in stress management and other symptoms related to all facets of employment.
• Works as part of the treatment team including : participating in meetings; encouraging and supporting clients and family members / caregivers in understanding, adhering to, and progressing in the treatment plan; evaluating their responses; outreaching; and empowering them to communicate openly and directly with treatment providers.
• Greets and welcomes clients and family members / caregivers upon arrival to programs / offices.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)