Peer Specialist

FUNCTION: This member of the Centralized Receiving System (CRS) - Care Coordination Team has responsibility to carry out rehabilitation services in the coordination of a person, and their families crisis stabilization; provides peer support, substance abuse and mental health education, consultation to support system; and crisis intervention under supervision of Team Leader or designated qualified LPHA.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. To carry out mentoring or coaching with consumers and family members involved in services, treatment and recovery having mental health and/or co-occurring disorders.
2. Be a member of the Care Coordination Team for an assigned number of individuals.
3. Participate in the Mobile Initial Crisis Evaluation, Transitional/Safety Plan and follow-up needs of each consumer and family member utilizing an integrated model of community care.
4. Participate in determining psychiatric and/or substance abuse history (e.g., onset, course and effect of illness, past treatment and responses and risk behaviors), mental status, and diagnosis; physical health and dental health; use of drugs and alcohol; education and employment; social development and functioning; activities of daily living (e.g., self-care, living situation, nutrition, money management); and family structure, relationships and natural resources.
5. Consult with community agencies and families to maintain coordination in the crisis stabilization, transitional and recovery process.
6. Document individual progress to maintain a permanent record of individual activity according to established methods and procedures.
7. Participate in staff organizational meetings and transitional safety planning review meetings.
8. Participate in providing care, treatment and substance use recovery services.
9. Mentor individuals in Recovery and Wellness strategies and model recovery skills and behaviors.
10. Advocate for peers with regard to stigma issues, respect and person-centeredness within the team and the larger community.
11. Participate in the on-call rotation for the “Warm-Line” when sufficiently experienced according to the clinical judgment of the Team Leader/Supervisor (or as qualified by degree/experience.)

CORE COMPETENCIES:

1. Age Specific: Developmental Stages, Assessment, Knowledge, Interpretation, Interventions, Enhancement of Family Involvement
2. Basic Job Readiness: Courtesy, Flexibility, Reliability, Responsiveness
3. Personal Effectiveness: Communication, Interpersonal Skills, Self-Management, and Thinking Skills.
4. Organizational/Management: Compliance, CQI Commitment, Leadership, Linking/Networking, Management of Information, Organizational Participation, Safety
5. Performance Specific: Assessment, Crisis Management, Customer Focus, Cultural Competence, Empowerment/Advocacy, Psychosocial Interventions, Treatment/Service Planning

JUDGMENT: Common sense and good judgment are important to job performance.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Education: High school degree or equivalent plus experience with adults who have mental health and/or co-occurring disorders (Mental Illness/Addictions). Valid Florida driver’s license. Valid and active FCB Peer Certification; or eligible for certification. 
• Supervisory Responsibilities: None.
• Essential Factors: Experience as a recovering person or as a family member of someone in recovery from SUD/COD. Must have a strong commitment to the right and ability of each person with mental health and/or co-occurring disorders (Mental Illness/Addictions) to live in community residences; work in market job; and have access to helpful, effective, and continuous supports and services. Skills and competence to establish supportive trusting relationships with persons with mental health and/or co-occurring disorders; and respect for client rights and persons preferences in treatment are essential.
• Staff Development: Completes all administrative and competency requirements in accordance to Individual Training Plan. Certified Peer Specialist preferred, or eligible for certification.