Certified Peer Specialist (PSR)

Apalachee Center, Inc. is best known for helping individuals and families of North Florida succeed in recovering from emotional, psychiatric, and substance abuse crises. Apalachee Center, Inc. provides comprehensive behavioral health services across 8 counties (Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, and Wakulla Counties).

Apalachee Center, Inc. offers competitive benefits for our full-time positions to include health, dental, vision, basic life insurance, long term disability, paid time off, and more.



Overview:

The PSR Certified Peer Specialist provides a unique blend of structured psychosocial rehabilitation services and lived-experience-based peer support for individuals with serious mental illness and/or substance use disorders. By combining professional rehabilitation responsibilities with the insights of personal recovery, the PSR Certified Peer Specialist fosters hope, empowerment, and long-term recovery in a safe and supportive environment. When the PSR program census exceeds 12 clients, the PSR Certified Peer Specialist is responsible for facilitating a second PSR group to ensure appropriate group sizes and individualized attention. When not facilitating groups, the specialist is expected to meet individually with clients from a small outpatient caseload to provide peer support services, focusing on recovery goals, self-advocacy, and engagement in treatment.

ESSENTIAL/CORE JOB-SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

1. Coordinates and conducts psychosocial rehabilitation service activity groups using Agency-approved modules. Plans and implements daily and weekly activity schedules in accordance with the overall approved activity services plan.
2. Participates in or assists with the development and updates of the rehabilitation component of the Client Service Plan (CSP). Completes all required clinical services documentation accurately and within 24 hours of delivery of services, ensuring timely submission for supervisor review.
3. Maintains accurate documentation of staff activities, program operations, inventory of equipment and supplies, and other logs in accordance with Agency procedures.
4. Assists peers using recovery tools such as the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) to identify wellness strategies and create individualized crisis/post-crisis plans. Facilitates regular meetings to help peers recognize their strengths and communicate their recovery goals to staff and clinicians. Supports peers in collaborating with case managers and clinical staff to develop and work toward self-directed recovery goals.

• Openly identifies as a person who has lived experience of using/have used mental health services and/or substance use disorder services or programs.
• Actively engages in self-care program that promotes recovery.
• Minimum of 1 (one) year in recovery required.

Education/Experience: 

• A high school diploma or its equivalent. 

• Certified as a Peer Specialist or eligible to obtain Peer Specialist certification.

• Experience with mental illnesses and/or substance use disorder.

Licensure or Certification:

• Recognized as a Certified Recovery Peer Specialist by the Florida Certification Board and in good standing or obtain certification within one year of employment. 

• Must possess a current and valid driver’s license with no more than six (6) points and maintain Apalachee Designated Auto Driver’s status if transporting consumers is part of the job assignment.