Peer Support Specialist (REC)

Blue Ridge Health•Sylva, NC

About The Position

Blue Ridge Health is currently seeking a Peer Support Specialist to be part of our Recovery Education Center (REC) Behavioral Health Team. What We Offer You: A competitive benefits plan, including Medical, Dental and Vision Company sponsored life insurance and short and long-term disability coverage 403(b) retirement account with company matching Supplemental accident insurance available 9 paid holidays per year PTO and Personal Day accrual, starting day 1 - (We value a work-life balance!) Flexible Work Schedules Considered Needs Accommodations Programs Mental Health Resources Telework Opportunities Considered Tuition Reimbursement Program What You'll Do: The Peer Support Specialist plays a unique and vital role in supporting each individual in his or her journey of recovery. The Peer Support Specialist is responsible for providing an array of support services and interventions designed to inspire hope, support personal responsibility, offer education and promote self-advocacy and self-determination.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent (required)
Certification from a Peer Support Training Program
Excellent communication skills
Valid Driver's license and acceptable driving history

Responsibilities

Utilizing outreach and engagement skills with each individual that are respectful of their stage of change
Promoting each individual’s self care by modeling and mentoring recovery values, attitudes, beliefs, and personal actions in order to encourage wellness and resilience.
Making supportive and encouraging statements regarding each individual’s recovery using self disclosure and unconditional acceptance in order to instill hope.
Demonstrating skill building techniques with each individual by modeling and/or teaching in order to assist each individual in making progress towards his or her goals and improve the quality of his or her life.
Teaching harm reduction strategies through discussion of safety and risk taking with each individual in order to enhance healthy decision making.
Protecting each individual from harm during a crisis in accordance with trauma-informed practices and workable crisis plans.
Exploring alternatives to prevent hospitalization and to support the individual in the community whenever possible.
Promoting self advocacy by facilitating each individual’s learning about his or her human and legal rights and supporting the individual while exercising those rights in order to empower the individual.
Supporting each individual in accessing community resources by facilitating familiarity with and connection to the local community in order to achieve desired integration.
Supporting each individual in creating informal support networks which are capable of contributing to the individual’s recovery process.