Peer Support HRSA
About The Position
The Peer Support Specialist provides strength-based support and education to people in or seeking recovery from substance use, mental health, and co-occurring disorders. The role uses the specialist’s lived experience to support individuals in pursuing sustained recovery and behavioral health goals. Individuals direct their own care, while the specialist offers expertise, encouragement, questions, and suggestions to help them take the lead in addressing their needs. The specialist supports individuals in honoring their values, making principle-based decisions, creating action plans, and using current strengths to reach future goals. The role also serves as an accountability partner and helps individuals access systems and resources such as disability benefits, health care, and housing. The position is based in Bullhead City, Arizona, and may involve travel of up to 25%.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Behavioral health lived experience.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to qualify for WestCare vehicle insurance.
- Ability to obtain peer support certification; one year of sobriety is required.
- Current Level I fingerprint clearance card or ability to obtain one through a federal background check.
- Strong reading comprehension and written and oral communication skills.
- Computer literacy and ability to type and use Microsoft Office.
- Demonstrated experience with leadership, advocacy, or governance.
- At least one year without receiving inpatient and/or intensive treatment services.
- At least one year without involvement with law enforcement.
- At least six months in stable and safe housing.
- At least six months of stable employment or active enrollment in an educational setting.
- Continued participation in support groups and/or behavioral health networks.
- Must provide three letters of reference.
- Adherence to high ethical standards, especially confidentiality standards.
- Professional appearance and demeanor.
Nice To Haves
- Bilingual skills.
Responsibilities
- Encourage, inspire, and empower individuals to reach treatment goals.
- Coordinate and facilitate psychoeducational peer groups focused on removing environmental obstacles, improving healthy life skills and social connectedness, and teaching relaxation and mindfulness strategies.
- Work as part of a collaborative health team and participate in Care Team Meetings.
- Assist individuals in developing strategies to communicate with and advocate for themselves, supporting a proactive role in their behavioral and physical health.
- Explain available services and supports, including peer services, benefits, advance directives, opportunities, and clients’ rights processes.
- Mentor individuals in recovery by reinforcing the possibility of recovery, building personal empowerment, and helping set and achieve goals.
- Provide information and assist with applications for supplemental programs, such as housing.
- Help individuals complete forms and identify service and support gaps for people with mental health or co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
- Participate in treatment teams with the individual’s consent.
- Collaborate on intake and discharge planning, including conducting surveys and facilitating exit interviews.
- Monitor satisfaction.
- Complete and submit documentation as determined by the Director of Peer Services.
- Provide support and encouragement to family members.
- Meet individuals in the community and transport them to appointments as needed.
- Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
