PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST

This employee will provide valuable insight and coaching to ACTT clients by sharing some of his/her own recovery process. The incumbent is expected to help consumers avoid rehospitalization/episodes of crisis care; achieve recovery from mental illness/substance abuse issues; meet basic sustenance needs; and improve their overall quality of life, per consumers’ report. This is a part time position offering a maximum of 15 hours weekly.

Essential Functions

· Teach, assist and support clients to perform household activities

· Teach money-management skills, and assist clients in accessing financial services.

· Facilitate clients learning to access reliable transportation (e.g., obtain a driver’s license and car, arrange for cabs, access bus line, find rides).

· Plan, structure, and prompt social and leisure-time activities and assist with individual/group transportation as needed.

· Participate in team meetings

Education: Minimal requirements are a high school diploma plus completion of the Division-approved Peer Specialist Certification Training.

Experience: Volunteer or employment experience in a human services setting would enhance an applicant’s ability to serve as a member of the ACT Team. Bilingual applicants (English-Spanish) desired.

Specific skills/abilities: This position requires flexibility; sensitivity to varying cultural issues; and an ability to share information with members of a team in a timely and accurate manner.

Specialized knowledge, licenses, etc: The employee must be certified as a Peer Specialist by the Division of MH/DD/SAS (such certification may be obtained after the incumbent has been hired). The employee must have a valid driver’s license and must maintain a safe driving record, acceptable to the insurance carrier for Lutheran Family Services.

Success Factors

· Sensitivity

· Ability to form lasting relationships with persons who may have difficulty trusting

· Ability to cope with stress (with support from Team members)

· Commitment to client rights and personal preferences in treatment.

· Team Player

· Great communication skills