Peer Specialist - 230301

JOB SUMMARY: The Peer Support Specialist is an integral part of the Peer Support Program, which provides recovery-focused services to individuals with severe, persistent mental illnesses. Under general supervision, Peer Support Specialists provide psycho-educational skill-building groups/interventions to promote socialization, recovery, wellness, self-advocacy, daily living skills & development of natural/community supports. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The Peer Support Specialist: Prepares and provides recovery-oriented, psycho-educational groups; Manages a caseload, provides consistent care coordination, skills training and referral completion; Assists in evaluating progress, developing individual recovery plans & ensuring appropriate level of care; Educates and advocates with family members and other caregivers to support individuals in their recovery; Is a role model of recovery, flexibility, and professionalism; Documents all contacts and complete individual daily progress notes; Works cohesively with co-workers, site physicians, adult outpatient clinicians, administrative staff, agency administration, personal care home providers & family members; Possesses basic computer skills & utilize electronic medical records daily; Completes/passes agency-sponsored defensive driving course, as well as all other agency-required trainings; Is responsible for transporting, via agency vehicle, program participants on community integration outings; May require occasional weekend or adjusted hours due to program and community events; Additional duties may be assigned by the Program Lead and/or Director, as needed. Minimum Qualifications: Certification as a peer specialist (CPS-MH) by the Georgia Certified Peer Specialist Project; 6 months experience working/volunteering in the capacity of CPS in adult mental health & with individuals diagnosed with severe, persistent mental illness; Competency in teaching basic group skills, understanding how to engage individuals in treatment & development of self-advocacy; Minimum of High School diploma or GED; Proficient computer skills to be able to use electronic medical records; Care coordination skills to assist individuals with accessing/linking to additional resources and/or services within the agency and/or community; Must have transportation to and from work, strong interpersonal skills & be a positive team player, ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds, & be a positive role model for persons served.   Working Conditions:  Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm. Primarily in clinic but does require some work in community during required program outings. May require occasional adjusted hours due to program and community events; Ability to use a computer, telephone, fax, copy and scanning machine.; Must complete and pass agency-sponsored defensive driving course, as well as all other agency-required trainings.