Peer Support Specialist

Acadia Healthcare•Reading, PA

About The Position

Provide group and individual counseling sessions using personal experiences in mental health & substance use recovery as inspiration and motivation, while also allowing for expression of persons’ experiences in recovery. The Peer Support Specialist will provide a wide range of activities to assist patients in exercising control over their own lives and their recovery or resilience-building process. This includes peer mentoring or coaching, recovery resources, facilitating recovery, educational and support groups, and advocating with and for the person and their family. Documentation of interventions and assessments must be completed accurately and in a timely manner. The role also involves participating in weekly meetings, supervisions, and contributing to PI/QI efforts. A positive, empathetic, and professional attitude is expected at all times, with a focus on patient safety and resolving complaints.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent is required.
Three or more years' experience working in a behavioral health setting is required.
Certification as a Peer Specialist
CPR and de-escalation/restraint certification required (training available upon hire and offered by facility).
First aid may be required based on state or facility.

Nice To Haves

Two or more years’ experience in an acute inpatient behavioral health setting preferred.
Training on personal advocacy, engagement, recovery and resiliency principles, community supports/resources, effective use of sharing life experiences and parenting skills, as applicable.

Responsibilities

Provide a wide range of activities to assist patients in exercising control over their own lives and their recovery or resilience-building process.
Provide peer mentoring or coaching, including personalized and tailored services and supports to meet the preferences and unique needs of the person/family and support recovery goals/planning through assisting and supporting goal setting and use of decision-making strategies.
Provide recovery resources.
Facilitate and lead recovery, educational and support groups. Educational activities include, as applicable, self-advocacy, wellness, life skills, goal setting, parenting skills and decision-making skills.
Advocate with and for the person and their family.
Complete documentation of group and/or individual interventions in an accurate manner and file within 24 hours of service.
Complete documentation of assessments in a timely and accurate manner.
Participate in weekly meetings and supervisions to enhance communication and efficacy of treatment.
Actively contributes to PI/QI efforts participating in problem-solving, root cause analysis and/or assisting in collection of data.
Demonstrate a positive, empathetic and professional attitude towards customers always. When patient needs are not met, acknowledge and work to resolve complaints. Recognize that patient safety is a top priority.
Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.