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.

Essential Job Functions:

• 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.