Peer Support Specialist

The Peer Specialist/Behavioral Health Tech is an individual with SMI, who mentors others with SMI. The Peer Specialist/Behavioral Health Tech provides health promotion services including health education, psycho-education, prevention and outreach as well as providing support to medical staff through all phases of client care from arrival through discharge

The Peer Specialist/Behavioral Health Tech must demonstrate personal accountability with duties including:

• Communicating client status and ensuring accurate paperwork
• Coordinating client interviews (entry and discharge)
• Documenting every 15 minutes the locations of each client as well as the ongoing observance of client behaviors and activities.
• Collecting client vitals and recording them.
• Conducting client admissions.
• Furnishing client meals and refreshments.
• Conducting client fresh air breaks and group activities.
• Maintaining fresh laundry and linens.
• Assisting clients with their needs which vary from providing clothing/shower items to simply being an empathetic listener.
• Performing basic housekeeping duties as needed; sweeping, mopping, and cleaning counters.
• Using personal protective gear, particularly gloves, for all situations requiring this safety measure.
• Removing all trash prior to shifts end.
• Completing required documentation and performing given procedures to meet funding and accreditation requirements.
• Participate in the development of person-centered Wellness and Recovery plans that integrate all clinical and non-clinical health-care related needs and services with the individual and the CCT
• Encourages and supports his/her peers in achieving the goals described in the individuals Wellness and Recovery plan
• Support and encourage their peers to be effective self-advocates
• Promotes and encourages recovery based on SAMHSAs Guiding Principles of Recovery
• Apply Motivational Interviewing strategies to effectively engage service recipients
• Apply Collaborative Care techniques as presented in the IMPACT model of integrated healthcare
• Provide health promotion activities to other individuals with SMI and encourage participation in health promotion activities that are available in the community
• assist and support clients with referrals and linkages to community and social support services
• Facilitate Psycho-educational activities for groups and individuals in accordance with the approved curriculum Solutions for Wellness and Team Solutions

Essential Qualifications:

Certifications/Licensures:

• HIV/AIDS 104 Basic Education and valid CPR Certificates are required. 20 hours of continuing education required annually.
• Must hold a current Peer Certification as CPPS and/or CPRS from Florida Certification Board or must be able to obtain certification within 6 months of employment.

Education:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent

Experience and Competencies:

• Training and or Experience in Crisis Intervention Preferred
• Must be a current recipient of behavioral health services with a minimum of two years in recovery (mental health and, if applicable, substance abuse).
• Must have the ability to perform basic computer operations including email and filling out electronic forms.
• Caring heart and ability to handle stressful situations
• Hands on and electronic training are provided covering a broad spectrum of topics involved with client care, psychology and addiction field
• Ability to meet GCC insurance requirements for driving an agency vehicle
• Ability to meet requirements of Department of Children and Families/Department Correction background check