Peer Support Specialist

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences•Little Rock, AR

About The Position

Peer Support Specialist (PSS) will support and provide guidance to individuals undergoing recovery from pain and/or substance use disorders with a specific focus on those presenting to the ED in need of Opioids. Under the guidance of highly trained and educated professionals, the PSS will function as a role model to peers; exhibit competency in personal recovery and use of coping skills; serve as a consumer advocate, and provide consumer information and peer support for clients presenting to the ED.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Current Peer Support Specialist Certification required (or ability to obtain within a specified timeframe).
Must be a current or former consumer of mental health and/or co-occurring behavioral health services.
Minimum of 1–2 years of demonstrated success in personal recovery.
Lived experience with chronic pain and/or opioid use disorder (defined as a painful condition lasting beyond the expected healing period and requiring ongoing care).
Ability to effectively facilitate and utilize both individual and group support skills.
Strong knowledge of local community resources and recovery support services.
Demonstrated ability to model recovery, maintain appropriate boundaries, and support others in a recovery-oriented framework.

Responsibilities

Assist patients in identifying personal recovery goals through one-on-one and group sessions.
Support patients in goal setting and development of individualized recovery plans by identifying strengths, skills, supports, and resources.
Connect patients with community resources including housing, childcare, transportation, education, employment opportunities, medical services, and other recovery supports.
Assist patients in identifying personal and environmental barriers to recovery.
Link patients to recovery communities and treatment services, including inpatient substance use rehabilitation when appropriate.
Serve as a mentor and guide in personal and family recovery management.
Support patients in developing self-advocacy and empowerment skills.
Provide education on self-help and support groups, life skills development, nutrition, wellness strategies, and recovery promotion.
Utilize and teach problem-solving techniques in both individual and group settings, independently or with periodic support from senior treatment team members.
Appropriately share personal recovery experiences to model effective coping strategies, strengths, and resource utilization.
Collaborate closely with the interdisciplinary treatment team, patient families, and community partners to support recovery goals.
Communicate patient concerns and progress to the treatment team.
Attend and actively participate in treatment team meetings.
Accurately document one-on-one sessions in the patient’s medical record.
Ensure all questionnaires and assessments are complete, legible, and accurate.
Maintain detailed follow-up documentation including education sessions, phone contacts, and inpatient visits.
Attend and participate in clinical trainings aligned with SAMHSA objectives and program goals.
Engage in educational programs and professional development activities to remain current on trends, best practices, and emerging developments in recovery support services.
Perform additional duties as assigned in support of program and departmental needs.