CERTIFIED PEER SPECIALIST

Apis Services Inc•New Orleans, LA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) utilizes lived experience in recovery to provide peer support, advocacy, education, and encouragement to Persons in Recovery (PIRs). The CPS empowers individuals to actively participate in their recovery journey by promoting hope, self-determination, wellness, and community integration. Working collaboratively with treatment teams, families, and community supports, the CPS assists individuals in developing natural supports, improving coping strategies, managing symptoms, and achieving recovery goals. The Certified Peer Specialist serves as a positive role model and demonstrates the organization’s values of respect, recovery, integrity, and person-centered care.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED required.
Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) Certification required.
Minimum two (2) years of experience supporting individuals in mental health recovery preferred.
Demonstrated lived experience with recovery and the ability to utilize that experience appropriately in peer support services.
Must maintain all certification requirements established by applicable state and credentialing entities.
Must complete a minimum of eighteen (18) continuing education or training credits annually to maintain certification.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to establish trust and rapport with individuals served.
Ability to share lived experience appropriately to inspire hope and recovery.
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
Effective advocacy and support skills.
Ability to maintain professional boundaries and ethical standards.
Strong documentation and recordkeeping abilities.
Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office applications and electronic documentation systems.
Maintain and abide by OSHA requirements and guidelines.
Observe all Fire and Safety Policies and Procedures.
Observe all Personnel Policies and Procedures.
Observe all Agency Policies and Procedures.
Observe all HIPAA Policies and maintain confidentiality.
Attend all required meetings, trainings, and supervision sessions.
Maintain a professional demeanor and exercise sound judgment in all employment duties.
Document time worked accurately.
Remain in good standing with all certification and continuing education requirements.

Nice To Haves

Minimum two (2) years of experience supporting individuals in mental health recovery preferred.

Responsibilities

Provides peer support services to Persons in Recovery (PIRs) through advocacy, education, encouragement, and recovery coaching.
Uses lived experience to foster hope, empowerment, engagement, and self-determination.
Assists individuals in developing and pursuing personal recovery goals.
Supports engagement in treatment and recovery-oriented services.
Provides recovery education to individuals, family members, staff, and community partners.
Assists individuals in developing natural supports and community connections.
Facilitates and supports peer-led recovery activities and wellness initiatives.
Supports person-centered interventions identified in individual service plans.
Assists individuals with independent living preparation and skill development.
Serves as a recovery role model by demonstrating healthy coping strategies and recovery principles.
Supports individuals in developing social skills and increasing community participation.
Provides information regarding recovery resources, community programs, and self-help opportunities.
Promotes wellness, resilience, and self-advocacy.
Assists with orientation and engagement of new program participants.
Supports recovery planning, goal setting, and wellness management strategies.
Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) group facilitation.
Recovery Support Groups group facilitation.
Community Meetings group facilitation.
Symptom Management Groups group facilitation.
Coping Skills Development Groups group facilitation.
Peer Support and Wellness Activities group facilitation.
Documents time worked accurately.
Performs other duties as assigned by management.
Completes required documentation accurately and within established timeframes.
Maintains client records and documentation in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
Ensures service documentation meets quality assurance and regulatory standards.
Participates in program data collection and quality improvement activities.
Maintains confidentiality of all client and program information.
Maintains personal wellness to effectively perform job responsibilities and serve as a positive recovery role model.
Demonstrates professionalism, ethical conduct, and sound judgment at all times.
Participates in agency meetings, supervision, and training activities.
Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with individuals served, families, staff, and community partners.
Promotes a recovery-oriented and trauma-informed culture.
Participates in ongoing professional development activities.
Supports individuals in overcoming barriers to recovery and community integration.
Other duties as needed to support the recovery goals of individuals served.
Adheres to and follows the By-Laws of the Corporation and as set forth in the Articles of Incorporation.