Peer Support Advocate

Sanford Health•Bemidji, MN

4d•$20 - $27•Hybrid

About The Position

Living in recovery from a mental illness or substance abuse plays an important role on a client-centered team approach to help individuals living with mental health or substance abuse difficulties walk their own road to recovery. The Peer Support Advocate is a non-clinical role that works collaboratively with health care professionals including physicians, nurses, behavioral health counseling staff, and support staff to assist in peer support across the health care continuum.

Requirements

Must be at least 21 years of age and have a primary diagnosis of a mental illness, and be a current or former consumer of mental health services.
Must be willing to share personal experience.
Must have high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Must demonstrate leadership and advocacy skills.
A valid driver's license may be required, depending on department/facility.
Minnesota: Preferred successful completion of the Minnesota Department of Human Services approved Certified Peer Specialist training.
Once approved as a Certified Peer Specialist, must maintain certification.
May also require successful completion of Sanford Clinic Navigation Certification, depending on setting.
Preference of possessing a valid class D driver's license and auto insurance.
Must maintain a good driving record.
Preference of hire having access to personal vehicle and willingness to use the vehicle in carrying out position responsibilities.
Basic Life Support (BLS) training and certification within six months of hire.

Nice To Haves

Certification as a peer support specialist and peer recovery specialist is preferred but training and certification can be obtained after hire.

Responsibilities

Works as an integral member of the health care team to ensure safety, best practice, and high quality standards of care are maintained across the continuum.
Provides recovery support to individuals who can benefit from the peer's lived experiences.
Responsible for coordinating a wide range of recovery and self-management support for the clinic's patient population who are dealing with addictions.
Assists patients as they go through the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery process.
Provides recovery support in form of telephone calls or in-person recovery coaching sessions.
Seeks regular progress updates with patients.
Assists patients with support and connection to other essential social services that exist in the community.
Peers support individuals in identifying and articulating personal goals and objectives necessary for recovery and wellness.
Advocates for the patient in the care system or in other appropriate settings and systems.
Demonstrates HIPAA compliance.
Articulates the recovery process for patients and assists patients through a self-directed plan.
Has insight to the appropriate times to share personal story.
Relays the meaning and role of peer support.
Identifies the difference between counseling and peer support.
Differentiates between treatment and recovery goals.
Maintains a working knowledge of the current trends and development in the addiction recovery and peer support field.
Demonstrates ability to nurture healing relationships and healthy choices for one's own health, recovery, and wellness.
Utilizes principles of cultural mindfulness.
Adheres to own recovery program and demonstrates healthy choices for one's own health, recovery, and wellness.