Adult Peer Support Specialist Phoenix Center - (3rd Shift)

Job Summary:

The Adult Peer Support Specialist provides recovery-oriented peer support services to adults receiving care at the Phoenix Center. Drawing upon lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery, this role offers empathy, encouragement, and hope to individuals during a period of crisis. The Peer Support Specialist supports engagement, emotional regulation, skill-building, and transition planning while working collaboratively with the multidisciplinary treatment team.

Essential Functions:

• Provide peer support services to adults residing in the Phoenix Center, offering encouragement, validation, and recovery-oriented support during crisis stabilization.
• Use lived experience to establish rapport, promote hope, and model recovery principles, self-advocacy, and resilience.
• Support individuals in identifying personal strengths, coping skills, wellness strategies, and recovery goals.
• Assist individuals in developing and reinforcing crisis safety plans, wellness plans, and discharge goals in collaboration with clinical staff.
• Support emotional regulation and de-escalation by modeling calm behavior and encouraging use of grounding, coping, and self-soothing techniques.
• Facilitate or co-facilitate peer-led groups, activities, or skill-building sessions as assigned.
• Provide education and support related to recovery, community resources, and self-determination.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary team members, including clinicians, nurses, case managers, and support staff, while maintaining the distinct peer role.
• Observe and report relevant behavioral or safety concerns to clinical staff in a timely and appropriate manner.
• Maintain appropriate peer boundaries and adhere to ethical standards, confidentiality requirements, and peer support principles.
• Complete required documentation accurately and timely in accordance with RiverValley Behavioral Health policies and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in shift coverage, staff meetings, supervision, training, and professional development activities as required.
• Complete after-care contact to check in on client progress and provide reminders of upcoming appointments.
• Ensure that all client information is kept confidential and secure in accordance with federal, state, and program-specific confidentiality guidelines, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Remain in compliance of Kentucky regulation 908 KAR 2:220 for Adult Peer Support regarding training, continuing education, and supervision.
• Perform other duties as assigned, as necessary to support program operations and resident care.

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Past or present consumer of behavioral health (mental health or substance use) treatment with a history of sufficient progression toward recovery.
• Experience working directly with individuals in a service-oriented field is preferred but not required.
• Valid KY driver’s license
• Current CPR/First Aid certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of beginning employment.
• Peer Specialist Certification strongly preferred or ability/willingness to obtain certification within 6 months of employment.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to establish supportive trusting relationships with persons with behavioral health diagnoses.
• Ability to work under pressure, to listen to client’s concerns and recommend and/or take appropriate action.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries while sharing lived experience.
• Empathy, compassion, and understanding of the challenges faced by individuals in recovery.
• Ability to work in a setting that may involve managing potentially challenging situations with clients.
• Computer literate, including basic Microsoft applications