Adult Peer Support Specialist - Pearl Mom & Baby

Job Summary: 

Utilizes and shares personal experience as a recipient of mental health services to benefit the team and its clients. Serves as a fully integrated team member to provide expertise in the recovery process, symptom management and the persistence required by clients. Provides peer counseling and consultation to clients, families and team staff; acts as a liaison with community resources; carries out rehabilitation and support functions; and assists in treatment, education, support and consultation as needed. 

Essential Functions: 

• Provide peer counseling and support, drawing on common experiences as a peer, to validate clients’ experiences and to provide guidance and encouragement to Clients to take responsibility and actively participate in their own recovery. 

• Serve as a mentor to clients to promote hope and empowerment. 

• Help other team members better understand and empathize with each client’s unique and subjective experience and perceptions. 

• Provide expertise and consultation from a MH consumer perspective to the entire team concerning clients’ experiences on symptoms of mental illness, the effects and side-effects of medications, clients’ responses to, and opinions of, treatment, as well as clients’ experiences of recovery. 

• Help clients to identify, understand and combat stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness and develop strategies to reduce self-stigma. 

• Complete required documentation in a timely manner. 

• Participate in the provision of treatment and substance abuse services as requested by the client. 

• Assist in the provision of direct clinical services to clients on an individual, group and family basis to teach behavioral symptom-management techniques and to promote personal growth and development by assisting clients to adapt to and cope with internal and external stressors. 

• Provide ongoing assessment, problem solving, skill training and environmental adaptations to assist clients with activities of daily living. 

• Provide side-by-side support and coaching to help clients socialize and connect with support in the community. 

• Organize and lead individual and group social and recreational activities to structure clients’ time, increase social experiences, and provide opportunities to practice social skills. 

• Assist clients in articulating personal goals for recovery through the use of one-to-one and group sessions. 

• Complete after-care contact to check-in on client progress and provide reminders of upcoming appointments. 

• Observe all rules of confidentiality relating to clinical information and treatment, both internally and when dealing with external agencies and/or individuals. 

• Remain in compliance with Kentucky regulation 908 KAR 2:220 for Adult Peer Support regarding training, continuing education, and supervision. 

• Other duties as needed or assigned. 

Education and Experience: 

• Experience working (either in a paid or volunteer position) with individuals with mental illness or similar populations (i.e. homeless, individuals with severe addictions). 

• Associates or Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field: OR 

• At least 2 years paid or volunteer work experience with adults with severe and persistent mental illnesses. 

• Valid KY Driver’s license and clean driving record to be insurable by agency liability insurance company. 

• Current CPR/First aid certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of beginning employment. 

• Peer Specialist Certification is strongly preferred or ability/willingness to obtain certification within 6 months of employment. 

Knowledge and Skills: 

• Must have been a recipient of mental health services for severe and persistent mental illness with strong self-knowledge and sufficiently progressed in their own recovery in order to be able to effectively manage their mental illness. 

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to establish supportive trusting relationships with people with severe and persistent mental illnesses. 

• Ability to work under pressure, to listen to client’s concerns and recommend and/or take appropriate action. 

• Problem solving and conflict resolution/mediation skills. 

• Commitment to the right and ability of persons with severe and persistent mental illness to live in a normal community residence; work in jobs and have access to adequate, competent and continuous supports and services. 

• A clear understanding of the characteristics and problems of adults with severe mental illnesses. 

• Computer literate, including basic Microsoft Word applications 

• Must be able to hear and communicate effectively in person and over the phone.