Peer Support Specialist (53315)

Westcare•Pembroke Pines, FL

25d•Onsite

About The Position

The Peer Support Specialist assists individuals and families affected by substance use and/or mental health diagnoses. The role supports consumers in developing the skills and competencies needed to build personal support networks and live and work competitively in the community. It provides recovery support, consumer education, intervention, and advocacy; offers the consumer perspective on recovery; and empowers consumers. The position works with individuals and families through coaching, mentoring, groups, advocacy, service connections, and documentation. The specialist partners with case managers and providers, responds to cultural and linguistic needs, and helps consumers develop natural supports, self-advocacy, self-efficacy, and wellness plans. Work is primarily performed in an office or outpatient treatment setting, with some outdoor activities. The role requires flexible scheduling, including evenings and weekends, and may involve exposure to human blood, body fluids, or tissues. Appropriate personal protective equipment is available.

Requirements

Be a parent or caregiver of a child who received public or private mental health, substance abuse, and/or child welfare services, or have personally received such services.
If engaged in personal recovery, have at least two years of demonstrated self-directed recovery.
Not be a current recipient of residential care.
Have a high school diploma or equivalent and two years of college-level education.
Have reliable transportation and familiarity with Miami-Dade County.
Be available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends.
Communicate effectively in verbal and written form with consumers, peers, and staff.
Understand and maintain confidentiality in accordance with federal, state, and agency standards.
Recognize consumer needs that cannot be met by the counselor or agency and help consumers access support systems and community resources.
Apply appropriate ethical principles and practices and maintain appropriate boundaries.
Work effectively with culturally diverse staff and consumers, respecting individual cultural and ethnic values.
Understand trauma, its impact, and re-traumatization, and help create a safe and welcoming environment.
Demonstrate dependability, reliability, professionalism, productive use of time, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with consumers, coworkers, external partners, and regulatory agencies.
Maintain a safe, clean, and orderly work area and follow agency safety procedures.
Hold CPR and First Aid certifications and complete an annual tuberculosis test.
Use Microsoft Office software and internal electronic health record software.
Provide an Affidavit of Good Moral Character and pass pre-employment drug testing and criminal records checks as required.
Meet the physical and mental demands of the position, with or without accommodation, including mobility; occasional lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds; computer and telephone use; clear communication and hearing; and working under stress in emotionally charged settings.
Be able to use approved physical and mental/verbal de-escalation techniques to defend oneself and clients in abusive situations.

Nice To Haves

Certification as a Certified Peer Specialist in good standing recognized by the Florida Certification Board is preferred at hire; certification may be completed through on-site coaching and training within one year of hire. Certified specialists must meet annual CEU requirements, and preference is given to candidates already certified.
A bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college in Addiction Counseling, Criminal Justice, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field is preferred.
Experience working with individuals diagnosed with mental health or substance abuse conditions is preferred.
Ability to read, write, and speak English as well as Spanish and/or Creole is preferred.
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence and speak effectively before groups is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide recovery support to consumers.
Conduct skills-building groups and other activities as assigned by the supervisor.
Serve as an appropriate role model for consumers.
Advocate for and support children and families in a caring and respectful manner.
Provide coaching and mentoring services to consumers as assigned by the supervisor.
Represent and advocate for families or individuals in program and agency activities.
Assist with facilitating individual and family support and educational groups.
Provide peer support using personal and professional life experiences.
Partner with case manager providers to connect individuals and families to needed services.
Respond to the cultural and linguistic needs and preferences of individuals, families, stakeholders, and system partners.
Help individuals and families identify and build natural supports, self-advocacy, and self-efficacy skills.
Help individuals and families identify strengths and recognize successes to promote self-esteem and empowerment.
Promote and educate individuals and families about the program and the availability of peer support services throughout treatment.
Assist individuals and families in developing a Wellness Recovery Action Plan when needed.
Document one-to-one sessions, telephone calls, and visits with individuals or families to reflect the supportive role.
Provide peer support services to additional populations as needed.
Participate in case conferences and performance improvement activities.
Maintain an understanding of HIPAA, professional ethics, consumer rights, and confidentiality.
Complete orientation and mandated training, including E-Learning Courses, within required timeframes and established criteria.
Maintain confidential files and records and follow applicable safety and incident-reporting procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned.