Peer Support Specialist (SSG)

Position Summary:
The Peer Support Specialist assists program participants in developing skills and competencies needed to successfully live and work within a community. This role provides recovery support, education, and advocacy to participants. Essential Job Functions include those listed below.
Essential Job Functions:
• Conducts skills building groups and other activities to empower program participants, under the guidance of the Program Director or designee;
• Provides coaching and mentoring services that help program participants to integrate into their community and become successful, productive residents;
• Acts as an advocate on behalf of their assigned program participant(s);
• Attends and participates in training activities and meetings as required;
• Supervises program participants under the direction of the Program Director or designee, reporting unusual changes as they occur;
• Facilitates mentoring, discipline, safety, and observation of participants;
• Utilizes approved crisis intervention techniques to assist with de-escalation of situations, ensuring program participant, staff, and visitor safety;
• Participates in 24/7 coverage by working a flexible schedule, properly tracking hours worked, and consistently arriving to scheduled shifts on time;
• Transports participants to school or medical appointments as required (if authorized);
• Monitors participant whereabouts to be sure they remain on WestCare property, or have appropriate paperwork needed to leave WestCare property;
• Assists in the implementation of recreational activities for program participants, participating where appropriate;
• Ensures the facility is kept clean and in working order;
• Embraces and embodies the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision and goals of WestCare Foundation;
• Performs any other duties as assigned.

Essential Qualifications:
Certifications/Licensures:
• Veterans are preferred
• Relevant certification and/or licensure is preferred; preference will be given to certified candidates;
• Valid driver’s license and the ability to obtain and maintain WestCare’s vehicle insurance
is required.
Education:
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college with a degree in Counseling, Criminal Justice, Social Work, Psychology or other field related to the position is preferred;
• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
Experience and Competencies:
• Two (2) years’ experience in workforce development, counseling, social work, or comparable field is required;
• Two (2) or more years working in a behavioral health environment is preferred;
• Ability to effectively coach and provide guidance is required;
• Experience working with individuals struggling with substance abuse and mental health disorders preferred;
• Ability to form and maintain effective, professional, and positive relationships with staff, volunteers, and program participants required;
• Ability to work well, both individually and as part of a team required;
• Ability to exercise good judgement and discretion required;
• Ability to maintain a professional appearance and demeanor required;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required;