Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) - 3733

Indian Rivers Behavioral Health•Tuscaloosa, AL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) works in the Crisis Center to support clients with mental illness and/or substance use disorders through recovery-oriented education, encouragement, problem-solving, and self-help strategies. The CPS orients new clients to the Crisis Center and its services, helps clients recognize emotional, psychiatric, or behavioral changes, and refers concerns to appropriate clinical staff when needed. The role also involves communicating relevant client information to the care team, contributing to treatment planning, and documenting client information promptly and accurately. The CPS works independently and as part of a team in accordance with organizational policies, procedures, and Alabama Department of Mental Health standards. The position requires adherence to HIPAA, safety, health, attendance, training, and ethical conduct requirements. Work takes place in a variety of settings, including outpatient, residential, community, client-home, and transport settings, which may be unpredictable or stressful. Physical presence onsite is essential, and the role may involve long hours, lifting up to 50 pounds, and climbing stairs.

Requirements

Must be a present or past client of behavioral health services.
Must have at least two years in recovery.
Must be willing to obtain Peer Specialist Certification from the Alabama Department of Mental Health.
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Must be able to read, write legibly, speak, and comprehend English.
Must communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Must have knowledge and skills to establish effective relationships with clients who have mental illness and/or substance use disorders.
Must be knowledgeable about mental illnesses, substance use disorders, the recovery model, and psychosocial rehabilitation.
Must understand the treatment methods and services provided by the agency and work effectively in crisis situations.
Must be able to perform each primary duty satisfactorily; reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Must comply with HIPAA requirements and protect health information.
Must be able to communicate and interact with employees, clients, and the public using telephone and personal contact.
Must be able to operate office equipment, including a computer, copier, multi-line phone, and fax machine.
Must be able to lift 50 pounds and negotiate several sets of stairs during an eight-hour shift.
Must have normal or corrected hearing and vision and be able to perform duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
Physical presence onsite is essential.
Must maintain current TB test, CPR/First Aid, and CPI.

Responsibilities

Orient new clients to the Crisis Center and its processes.
Educate clients about available services, the recovery process, and recovery techniques; provide support and encouragement.
Facilitate educational and training groups for clients and their family members as directed by the immediate supervisor.
Use and teach problem-solving techniques and assist clients with self-care needs.
Develop therapeutic relationships with clients to help identify emotional, psychiatric, or behavioral changes that may require intervention or treatment; help resolve problems or refer clients to clinical staff.
Teach clients to identify and combat negative self-talk and overcome fears.
Communicate relevant client matters to nurses, clinicians, and other staff.
Attend staff meetings and contribute to interdisciplinary treatment planning.
Document appropriate information in client records promptly and accurately.
Model effective communication, recovery-oriented living, coping techniques, and self-help strategies.
Maintain knowledge of current mental health trends and developments; develop and share recovery-oriented materials with other CPSs and attend state continuing education assemblies when offered.
Serve as a recovery agent by providing and advocating for effective recovery-based services.
Perform assigned duties in accordance with organizational policies, procedures, and DMH standards; follow safety, fire prevention, and health measures.
Stay informed through organizational communications, including memos, emails, bulletin boards, and communication logs.
Complete assigned work accurately and on time, independently or with a team and with minimal supervision.
Support the organization's Code of Conduct, compliance, HIPAA, and security programs; identify and report non-compliance and maintain required training.
Follow attendance, punctuality, meal, break, and leave policies.
Maintain current TB testing, CPR/First Aid, and CPI requirements; report infections and on-the-job injuries in accordance with policy.
Identify opportunities to improve service quality.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Supervisor or Crisis Center Director.