Peer Specialist

Job Title: Peer Support Specialist

Reports To: Program Coordinator

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary:

MHA Intentional Peer Support Specialist intentionally builds relationships with participants and coworkers to create spaces for healing, wellness, connection and community for individuals that live with mental health, substance use and/or other life altering experiences. By drawing on their own lived/living experience, an Intentional Peer Support Specialist builds mutual supportive relationships, shares knowledge of community resources, natural supports and supports opportunities to explore healing and wellness.  This role emphasizes mutual respect, shared responsibility, and values each other’s worldviews.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide one on one Intentional Peer Support to individuals voluntarily seeking MHA services.
• Share lived experience in ways that foster connection and validation while also being curious about the specific experiences of others.
• Share and explore ideas for living with life altering experiences such as mental health issues, substance use, previous incarceration, and trauma. This may include traditional services or alternative approaches.
• Utilizing the 4 tasks of Intentional Peer Support, discuss hopes, fears and areas of need to support individuals in getting the support they have identified as beneficial/want to try (e.g. treatment, employment, housing, education, relationships, wellness).
• Support Program Coordinator in tasks specific to the program which may include gathering data for reports, facilitating groups, speaking engagements, attending internal and external meetings relevant to position.
• Be open to exploring all modalities of dealing with distress including common and uncommon, traditional and unconventional depending on each individuals wants.
• Treat participants, coworkers, volunteers and community partners with dignity and respect. Handling conflict in ways that honor both/all worldviews, stay curious to other perspectives while also expressing own thoughts, feelings, wants and needs. 
• Collaborate with team and organization to create a culture of support, mutual responsibility and healing.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation and data tracking in accordance with organization and funders standards.
• Uphold confidentiality and maintain integrity in all interactions.
• Participate in ongoing training, self-evaluations, and apply feedback.
• Other duties as assigned and discussed by management team.

  Work Environment:

• Combination of office, community, and participant home settings, depending on program/role.

• A passion for creating more connected communities that honor diversity and experiences
• Be willing to share lived/living experiences navigating mental health issues, substance use, trauma, previous incarceration and other life altering experiences.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and active listening skills.  Utilize those skills in building collaborative and trusting relationships with coworkers, participants and community partners.
• Willingness to be flexible and evolve with the needs of the individuals/program/community.
• Commitment to challenging own beliefs, continuous learning and cultural humility.
• Basic computer skills for documentation and communication.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.

  Physical Requirements:

• Occasional lifting (up to 25 lbs).
• This job description does not state or imply that the above are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to the position.  Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by management. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.  Each employee is responsible for knowing and following MHA-NE Policies and Procedures.