Certified Peer Support Specialist

Redwood Community Services•Lakeport, CA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Certified Peer Support Specialists work with clients to provide recovery-oriented, culturally appropriate services that promote engagement, socialization, self-sufficiency, self-advocacy, natural supports and are trauma aware. Certified Peer Support Specialists serve as an advocate for individuals diagnosed with a serious mental illness or serious emotional disturbance, or substance use disorders providing information and support, and assisting individuals through the recovery process. Services are provided in individual and group settings and are focused on the identified client or significant support person for the identified client. Certified Peer Support Specialists are integrated into various direct service programs within the organization and work with general and specialist populations. Preference given to those with lived experience in Substance Use Recovery within families.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old
Possess a High School Diploma or equivalent degree
Must have experience with the process of recovery from a mental illness or substance use disorder, either as a consumer of these services or as the parent, caregiver or family member of a consumer.
Must pass the 80-hour training requirements within 6-months of employment for a Peer Support Specialist through CalMHSA-approved training entity.
Must possess a valid CA Driver’s License, current auto insurance, and a clean DMV printout (no more than 3 points).
Must pass a clear background check with DOJ, CACI, FBI, CCL.
CPR and First Aid Certified.
TB Exam and Physical at the time of employment.

Nice To Haves

Lived life experience (to be provided in Cover Letter)
Lived experience in Substance Use Recovery within families

Responsibilities

Provide individualized, ongoing guidance, coaching and support in accordance with goals that have been developed in the clinical assessment process.
Assist individuals in giving voice to self id personal goals.
Assists individuals in determining the steps needed to achieve recovery goals
Advises and connects individuals to community resources, including housing, employment, education, transportation, recreation, health, religious/spiritual, and other resources to meet their individual recovery goals
Provides an environment of mutual respect, empowerment, and opportunity to promote self-sufficiency within the community
Provides individuals with support and guidance on recognizing the early signs of crisis, developing crisis plans, and implementing identified coping strategies
Assists individuals with recognizing their strengths
Plans and facilitates activities aimed at increasing client’s engagement in services
Shares personal recovery stories and describes personal experiences to inspire and support individuals throughout the recovery process
Supports individuals with problem solving related to their mental health or substance use needs
Assists individuals with developing and maintaining positive personal and social support networks
Assists individuals with developing their self-help skills and cultivates their ability to make informed, independent choices
Plans and facilitates practical activities for individuals to increase their self-worth and improve their self-concepts, learn coping mechanisms and problem-solving skills to help the client’s achieve desired outcomes
Facilitate groups for individuals and their families to promote skill building for the beneficiaries in the areas of socialization, recovery, self-sufficiency, self-advocacy, development of natural supports, and maintenance of skills learned in other support services.