PEER SPECIALIST bei None

About the Role:

The Peer Specialist plays a vital role in supporting individuals navigating mental health and substance use challenges by leveraging their lived experience to foster hope and recovery. This position is centered on building trusting, empathetic relationships that empower clients to achieve their personal wellness goals. The Peer Specialist collaborates closely with clinical teams to provide guidance, advocacy, and resource navigation, ensuring clients receive comprehensive and person-centered care. Through group facilitation, one-on-one support, and community outreach, the Peer Specialist helps reduce stigma and promotes resilience within the community. Ultimately, this role contributes to improved client outcomes by offering authentic peer support that complements traditional healthcare services.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Personal lived experience with mental health or substance use recovery.
• Completion of a recognized Peer Specialist training program or certification.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate ethical conduct.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a healthcare or social assistance setting.
• Additional certifications related to mental health, substance use, or trauma-informed care.
• Familiarity with local community resources and support networks.
• Proficiency in documentation and basic computer skills.
• Bilingual abilities or cultural competency training.

Responsibilities:

• Provide empathetic, non-clinical support to individuals experiencing mental health or substance use challenges based on shared lived experience.
• Facilitate peer support groups and wellness activities that encourage recovery and personal growth.
• Assist clients in developing individualized wellness plans and connecting them to community resources and services.
• Advocate for clients’ needs within multidisciplinary care teams to ensure holistic and coordinated care.
• Document interactions and progress in compliance with organizational policies and confidentiality standards.

Skills:

The Peer Specialist utilizes active listening and empathetic communication daily to build rapport and trust with clients, creating a safe space for open dialogue. Problem-solving and advocacy skills are essential when assisting clients in navigating complex healthcare and social service systems. Group facilitation skills enable the Peer Specialist to lead supportive and educational sessions that foster community and shared learning. Documentation and organizational skills ensure accurate record-keeping and compliance with confidentiality standards. Additionally, cultural sensitivity and adaptability are applied to meet the diverse needs of clients from various backgrounds effectively.