Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) - Relief

Indian Rivers Behavioral Health•Tuscaloosa, AL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) supports clients at the Crisis Center by drawing on personal experience as a present or past behavioral health services client and recovery experience. The role helps clients understand the Crisis Center and its services, learn recovery techniques, build coping and problem-solving skills, and connect with clinical staff when further intervention or treatment may be needed. The CPS works with clients and their families, collaborates with agency staff, and advocates for effective recovery-oriented services. The position requires adherence to agency policies, procedures, DMH standards, HIPAA, safety and health requirements, and the organization’s compliance and conduct programs. The CPS documents client information accurately, maintains required training and certifications, and contributes to improving service quality. Work takes place across a range of settings, including the outpatient center, clients’ homes, community settings, residential programs, and transport vehicles. Conditions may be noisy, unpredictable, stressful, and involve clients experiencing active psychiatric symptoms or unstable circumstances. Physical presence onsite is essential; the position may require long hours, lifting up to 50 pounds, and negotiating several sets of stairs during an eight-hour shift. There is some risk when working with aggressive or out-of-control clients.

Requirements

Must be a present or past client of behavioral health services.
Must have at least two years in recovery.
Willingness to obtain Peer Specialist Certification from the Alabama Department of Mental Health is required.
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 sufficient 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 work within the organization to serve clients’ needs and understand the treatment methods and services provided by the agency.
Must be able to work effectively in crisis situations.
Must be able to perform the primary duties satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Must understand and abide by HIPAA requirements regarding protected health information.
Must be able to use sensory skills to communicate and interact with employees, clients, and the public by telephone and in person.
Must be able to operate office equipment such as 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 maintain current TB testing, CPR/First Aid, and CPI requirements.

Responsibilities

Orient new clients to the Crisis Center and its processes.
Educate clients about available services and the recovery process.
Teach recovery techniques and 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 with individuals.
Assist clients with maintaining self-care needs.
Develop and maintain therapeutic relationships with clients to identify emotional, psychiatric, or behavioral changes that may require intervention or treatment.
Help clients resolve problems or refer them to appropriate clinical staff.
Teach clients to identify and combat negative self-talk and overcome fears.
Communicate relevant client information to nurses, clinicians, and other staff.
Attend staff meetings and interdisciplinary treatment planning sessions and provide input.
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 through relevant reading.
Develop and share recovery-oriented material with other Certified Peer Specialists at continuing education assemblies and by email.
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 IRBH policies, procedures, and DMH standards.
Follow safety, fire-prevention, and health measures while on duty.
Stay informed of current events and communications by reviewing memos, emails, bulletin boards, and communication logs.
Complete assigned tasks accurately and promptly, independently or as part of a team, with minimal supervision.
Support the organization’s Code of Conduct, Standards Compliance, HIPAA, and Security Programs; perform work legally and ethically, report potential non-compliance, and maintain required training.
Follow attendance and punctuality policies, including timely arrival, clock-in, breaks, and leave requests or notifications.
Maintain current TB testing, CPR/First Aid, and CPI requirements, and report infections and on-the-job injuries in accordance with policy.
Identify opportunities to improve the quality of departmental and organizational services.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Supervisor or Crisis Center Director.