Certified Peer Specialist

Description

Positive Impact Health Centers (PIHC) is a community leader in providing HIV prevention, care and treatment services. The PIHC model of care assures that persons with HIV have access to medical, pharmacy, dental, behavioral health and social services, providing the best opportunity for patients to achieve high-quality health outcomes.

JOB SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Assistant Director of Addiction Services, the Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) is part of the Addiction Services Department. The CPS works collaboratively within the agency and with community resources to provide peer support in an effort to assist clients with building and individualized recovery plan and developing skills to maintain recovery. The Certified Peer Specialist requires the ability to conceptualize, problem solve and act independently with a degree of flexibility in accordance with agency precedents, policies and procedures. The CPS maintains a cooperative attitude at all times to promote effective work relationships throughout the agency.

This position description should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this position. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this position description.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide direct peer counseling in both individual and group formats utilizing the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP).
• Provide ongoing follow-up, basic motivational interviewing and goal setting with clients.
• Assist clients in utilizing and initiating problem solving techniques by teaching clients how to identify and combat negative self-talk, how to identify and overcome fears, and model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies
• Support clients’ vocational choices and assist them in overcoming job-related anxiety and in building social skills in the community that will enhance job acquisition and tenure
• Assist staff in identifying program environments that are conducive to recovery and lend unique insight into mental illness and substance abuse and what makes recovery possible
• Provide drug and alcohol information and support to individuals, families and other stake holders
• Maintain client records in accordance with prudent, generally accepted record keeping procedures, as defined by Positive Impact and as required by law, grants and contracts
• Conducts client mental health and substance abuse intakes and assessments
• Performs intake and/or random urine toxicology’s to ensure treatment compliance
• Provides crisis intervention services as needed by participating in the on-call clinician rotation.
• Attends all team, agency and community meetings as required
• Answer phone calls and inquiries concerning mental health services and substance abuse treatment program
• Maintain strict confidentiality guidelines regarding all clients, conversations and referrals
• Be active and assertive in the community in efforts to engage the targeted population
• Provide addiction education to clients, families, and other stake holders
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• The causes and effects of drugs and alcohol, and addictions on individuals, families and communities
• Demonstration of knowledge specific to issues in HIV/AIDS and substance abuse
• An understanding of crisis management and the ability to deal with life threatening situations including the prevention of suicide
• Strong applicants can demonstrate the ability to be positive in their empathetic responses to all persons; understand the value of meaningful and deep client engagement; have the potential to acquire the necessary knowledge, attitudes and skills of effectively reaching clients who are HIV positive.
• Effective verbal, written, and listening communication skills
• Awareness of community resources and ability to build community partner relationships
• Analytical and problem solving skills
• Demonstrate good decision making in dealing with safety issues and with aggressive and/or intoxicated clients, if required
• Conflict resolution
• Current driver's license and insurable driving record.
• Stress and time management
• Be able to manage his/her own case files on an independent basis
• Be able to work cooperatively as a part of a team

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Accepted for Georgia training for the MH Certified Peer Specialist or GA Cares
• Interest in integrating person