Peer Specialist

Care Resource Community Health Centers, Inc.•Fort Lauderdale, FL

About The Position

The Peer Specialist provides individualized, ongoing guidance, coaching, and support to people with behavioral health needs. The role helps individuals use personal and community resources, develop formal and informal community support, expand social networks, and navigate crises. The Peer Specialist advocates for clients’ rights and works with Behavioral Health and Medical teams, family members, significant others, and other providers involved in recovery plans. The position also involves attending staff meetings, case conferences, and individual and group supervision; meeting productivity standards; protecting confidential information; understanding client rights and agency policies; and participating in training, development, and designated committees. The specialist is expected to maintain professional standards and follow the Code of Ethics and Conduct. The role emphasizes compassionate, competent, and committed service, including courteous and attentive interactions, following established protocols, anticipating customer needs, and responding promptly. It includes assigned safety responsibilities, such as following handwashing guidelines and understanding emergency-code and continuity-of-operations roles. Work is usually performed in an office, with travel to community resources expected.

Requirements

High school diploma.
More than one year in recovery.
Ability to build positive rapport with individuals with substance use disorder, including people who may be actively using.
Knowledge of substance use disorder services in the community.
Ability to involve multiple providers and services with clients.
Ability to communicate effectively with all parties involved.
Peer Certification required within six months of hire.

Responsibilities

Provide individualized, ongoing guidance, coaching, and support.
Train clients in using personal and community resources.
Help develop formal and informal community support.
Help clients increase social support networks of relatives, friends, and significant others.
Offer encouragement during crises.
Advocate for people with behavioral health problems to protect client rights and reduce associated stigma.
Work with Behavioral Health and Medical teams, family members, and significant others involved in clients’ recovery plans.
Attend agency staff meetings, case conferences, and individual and group supervision.
Meet established productivity standards.
Maintain confidentiality of clinical information and treatment in internal and external interactions.
Understand client rights, policies, and procedures.
Participate in staff training and development.
Serve on designated agency committees.
Maintain professional standards and follow the Code of Ethics and Conduct.
Provide courteous, attentive service, follow established protocols, anticipate customer needs, and follow up as needed.
Follow handwashing guidelines and understand and perform assigned roles in the Emergency Code System and Continuity of Operations Plan.
Participate in health center developmental activities as requested.
Travel to community resources.
Perform other related duties as assigned.