Certified Peer Support Specialist
Working Title Certified Peer Support Specialist
Salary Salary Dependent upon qualifications and experience
Primary Role
The primary function of the Certified Peer Support Specialist, (CPSS) is to assume a vital role in supporting individuals facing mental health/substance challenges by leveraging their personal experiences to foster hope and resilience.
Job Summary
This position involves providing support, guidance, encouragement, and practical assistance to clients as they navigate their recovery journey. The CPSS works collaboratively with mental health and substance abuse professionals, accessing community resources, promoting wellness and assisting individuals to achieve their goals.
Licensure/Certification
Candidates for the CPSS position must hold an active certification from the North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist Program, (NCCPSSP).
Educational Requirements
Must have high school or GED diploma.
Duties
- Peer Support Specialist are primarily responsible for delivering services to members as outlined/identified in their Patient Centered Plan.
- Collaborate with mental health and substance abuse professionals to create individualized recovery plans tailored to each client's needs.
- Offer crisis intervention and management support when needed, ensuring client safety and well-being.
- Provide one-on-one support to clients, sharing personal recovery experiences to inspire hope and motivation.
- Assist clients in developing coping strategies and skills for managing their mental health and substance use conditions.
- Facilitate group sessions that encourage peer support and shared learning among participants.
- Educate clients about available resources, services, and systems that can assist them in their recovery process.
- Maintain accurate documentation of all client interactions and progress in accordance with organizational policies.
- While these CPSS requirements are essential for creating a supportive environment that promotes recovery, resilience, and empowerment among individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges. There is also a requirement for building and maintaining professional relationships with community agencies and referral sources to establish and maintain SEHCNC as the resource for members desiring peer support recovery services.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Possession of a strong background in and experience with mental health counseling and behavioral health practices and systems.
- Proficiency in addiction counseling techniques and understanding of mental health and substance use disorders.
- Demonstrate excellent mentoring abilities, the ability to foster positive relationships with clients.
- Knowledge of crisis intervention strategies and ability to provide immediate support during critical need.
- Effective crisis management skills to handle emergency situations calmly and efficiently.
- Familiarity with motivational interviewing techniques designed to encourage client engagement and commitment to change.
- Understanding of various systems relevant to behavioral and mental health care, including community resources and support networks.
- Experience in human services systems, enhancing the ability to connect members with necessary services as needed.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- The ability to work well within a team treatment model and on an individual basis.
- Demonstrate a willingness to support members in community activities.
- The ability to recognize and appropriately respond to conditions that constitute an emergency to include both mental and behavioral health crises utilizing SEHCNC emergency response procedures.
Minimum Qualifications
- Demonstrate at least one year of recovery time and activities.
- One year of experience working with individuals who have a diagnosis of mental health or substance use concerns.
- Ability to read, write and understand directions as given.
- No substantiated findings of abuse or neglect listed on the Health Care Personnel Registry.
Work Hours
Varies as needed depending on assigned caseload.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Southeastern Healthcare of North Carolina and Southeastern Adult Day are an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age, or any other protected classes as determined by law.
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