Peer Support Specialist

Peer Support Specialist

Job Scope: This is a direct service position serving as a member of a multidisciplinary team. The incumbent has responsibility to carry out rehabilitation and support functions and assist in treatment; provide mental health and substance abuse services, education, support, and consultation; and provide crisis intervention under the clinical supervision of staff with professional degrees. Work is performed in accordance with established policies, procedures, and state and federal regulations. Work is reviewed through periodic meetings, reports written, client records, performance indicator results, direct observation, and conformance with agency/program policies, procedures and practices, state and federal regulations.

Essential Job Functions:

* As a member of a multidisciplinary team, provides case management and coaching to all clients in line with the required program model.
* Participates in treatment team meetings as scheduled.
* Tasks may include locating and coordinating services; implementing interventions; educating clients and the members of their networks; providing direct services in order to maximize community independence; building relationships; modeling behaviors; advocating for rights and preferences; transporting clients; going into clients' homes; building employability and vocational abilities; modeling and teaching ADL skills; promoting wellness behaviors; developing social skills; counseling and advising; building budgeting skills; organizing and coordinating special events, projects, social activities, and outings; and supporting clients so that their quality of life is maximized.
* Completes documentation to maintain a permanent record of client activity according to established methods and procedures.
* Collaborates with and assists other SMA staff in a supportive case management role including sharing case management duties, actively participating in staff meetings, leading groups, participating in trainings, and sharing resources and information.
* Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Qualification Requirements: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Education and/or Experience: High school diploma or GED. Consumer of mental health services currently or in the past preferred, and certification as a Peer Recovery Specialist is preferred. Additional education and/or experience may be required per program requirements.

Knowledge/Skills/and Abilities:

* Must be knowledgeable and have experience with care of adults with severe and persistent mental illness as well as chemically dependent adults.
* Skills and competence to establish supportive trusting relationships and maintain healthy boundaries and respect for client rights and personal preferences.
* Knowledge of the characteristics and problems of adults with severe and persistent mental illnesses, and/or chemical dependence.
* Knowledge of psychotropic medications and their side effects.
* Ability to quickly assess situations and use sound judgment in defusing potentially risk situations.
* Ability to identify services needed by clients during the rehabilitation process.
* Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, medical and clinical professionals, and the general public.
* Ability to prepare clear and concise client documentation/reports.
* Ability to handle verbally and /or physically abusive and aggressive persons and utilize aggression control techniques to ensure the safety and well-being of the person, other persons, and employees on the team.
* Ability to incorporate cultural and age appropriate care into all aspects of communication and service delivery.
* Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with other employees, program staff, persons receiving services, outside organizations, and others.

Necessary Special Requirements: Possession of a valid Florida driver's license, acceptable driving record, and proof of personal automobile insurance if required to drive an SMA vehicle and/or use a personal vehicle for SMA business. Complete State of Florida mandatory background screening prior to start of employment. Complete SMA required training during the first six (6) months of employment and updated if required.

Physical: Mobility and ability to bend and reach during an 8-12 hour day. Able to lift minimum 10 pounds. Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to evaluate, intervene, treat, and record client health care needs. Fine motor skills for legible and accurate charting, daily correspondence and presentation, either manually or orally. Work endurance ability to work 8-12 hour shifts with a meal break, as possible. Routine 8-12 hour shifts. Hours and days off may vary. Extra hours may be required. Work assignment locations may vary.

Application: This position description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications which may be required of the employee assigned to the position. It should not be used to limit the nature and extent of assignments such individuals may be given.