Certified Peer Specialist

Job Description:

Job Title: Certified Peer Specialist

Location: Rolla, MO

Department: Recovery Services

Employment Type: Full-time

Job Summary:

The Peer Specialist is responsible for supporting individuals in their recovery journey by emphasizing the acquisition and development of skills needed for successful recovery. This role involves fostering therapeutic relationships with individuals and their families, sharing lived experiences, and providing peer support to encourage engagement and progress in treatment. Peer Specialists are integral to helping clients set and achieve recovery goals, access resources, and develop a supportive network within their community.

Key Responsibilities:

• Recovery Support: Assist individuals in developing treatment plans and recovery goals based on their specific needs and aspirations.

• Collaboration: Maintain regular communication with referral sources, guardians, and other professionals regarding participant progress, treatment planning, and clinical updates.

• Referral Assistance: Make referrals to outside resources when needed, ensuring clients receive the full support necessary for their recovery.

• Scheduling & Transportation: Help clients schedule treatment appointments and provide transportation to and from services as needed.

• Professional Representation: Represent the agency in a professional manner during interactions with clients, family members, and external agencies.

• Medical Referrals: Assist in referring clients to medical professionals for issues outside the scope of mental health or substance use treatment.

• Documentation: Accurately document all peer support services in accordance with state and CARF standards.

• Crisis Intervention: Provide crisis intervention as needed to support clients in moments of distress.

• Group Education: Facilitate group education sessions as scheduled, focusing on recovery skills and mental health support.

• Professional Development: Complete 36 hours of training every two years to maintain certification and enhance professional knowledge.

• Peer Support Activities:

  • Use lived experience to encourage, model, and support recovery and resilience.

  • Assist individuals in recognizing their capacity for resilience and strength.

  • Help individuals connect with others in their recovery community, fostering social support.

  • Promote the use of recovery tools, self-help strategies, and community resources.

  • Encourage individuals to take an active role in their treatment, empowering them to make informed decisions.

  • Support individuals in identifying their personal strengths and resources that aid in their recovery.

Experience and Education Qualifications:

• Lived Experience: Must self-identify as a current or former client of mental health or substance use services, or as a person in recovery from mental health or substance use disorder.

• Age Requirement: Must be at least 21 years old.

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Background Check: Must pass a background check or request an exception if applicable.

• Certification: Completion of a state-approved training program. If required, passing a standardized certification exam.

• Missouri-Specific: For Missouri residents, complete the application at Missouri Peer Specialist Website and, if required, complete the 5-Day Basic Training Program and pass the Missouri certification exam within six months of employment.

Position Perks & Benefits:

Paid time off: full-time employees receive an attractive time off package to balance your work and personal life

Employee benefits package: full-time employees receive health, dental, vision, retirement, life, & more

Top-notch training: initial, ongoing, comprehensive, and supportive

Career mobility: advancement opportunities/promoting from within

Welcoming, warm, supportive: a