DescriptionJOB SUMMARY
Provides encouragement, hope, assistance, guidance, and understanding to support clients in their recovery. Provides peer support services; serves as a consumer advocate; provides consumer information and peer support for consumers in outpatient setting. Performs a wide range of tasks to assist consumers in regaining control over their own lives and over their own recovery process. Will role model competency in recovery and ongoing coping skills. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Under the direct supervision of the program manager. Provide vision driven hope and encouragement to support clients in their recovery and assist them in connecting to the community. Share personal recovery experiences and develop authentic peer to peer relationship. Offer instructions and support to help people develop the skills they need to facilitate their individual recovery yet does not give advice to consumers. Educate and support clients in the use of the Wellness Recovery Action Plan. Complete all required documentation in the required time frame and safely transports consumers as needed and as appropriate.
QualificationsKNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Have considerable knowledge of principles, methods, procedures, and practices of community mental health and criminal justice services. Have the ability to make effective assessments of and interventions in situations involving MH services and consumers. Have good skills in communicating to the public and appropriately interacting with clients and the other staff at the clinic. Have knowledge and skills to teach and engage in basic problem-solving strategies to support clients in self-directed recovery. Depending on the lived experience of the Peer Specialist, they may also provide peer support for those participants struggling with recovery from substance use.
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Education: High School Diploma or GED
Experience: At least one cumulative year of mental health services for a disorder that is treated in the target population for Texas. Individuals must demonstrate their ability to maintain their stability in mental health and criminal justice rehabilitation.
REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS
A valid Texas driver’s license and good driving record is required along with a copy of a valid auto insurance card.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT
Must be able to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, squat, lift 25 pounds, sit for an extended period, and reach overhead.