Peer Support Specialist

Position Summary:

The Peer Support Specialist assists individuals/families 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:

• Provide recovery support to consumers
• Conducts skills building groups and other activities as assigned by the supervisor
• Acts as an appropriate role model for consumers
• Advocate for and support children and families in a caring and respectful manner.
• 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/families by using personal and professional life experiences.
• Work in partnership with the case manager provider to link individuals/families to needed services.
• Respond to the cultural and linguistic needs and preferences of individuals/families, stakeholders and system partners.
• Assist individuals/families to identify and build natural supports as well as self-advocacy and self-efficacy skills.
• Help individuals/families identify strengths and recognize successes to promote self-esteem and empowerment.
• Actively promote and educate individuals/families on program is and availability peer support services at any point in treatment.
• Assist individuals/families to develop a Wellness Recovery Action Plan when needed.
• Document one-to-one sessions, telephone calls and/or visits with families/individuals to reflect their supportive role.
• Provide peer support services to additional populations, as needed
• Participate in case conference
• Understands HIPAA, Professional Ethics, Consumer Rights and Confidentiality
• Participate in performance improvement activities
• Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision and goals of WestCare Foundation.
• Completes all orientation and mandated training activities, including E-Learning Courses, within required timeframes, and in accordance with the criteria established for this position.
• Perform any other duties as assigned.