Peer Specialist

The Peer Support Specialist is an integral part of the Peer Support Program, which provides recovery-focused services to individuals with severe, persistent mental illnesses. Under general supervision, Peer Support Specialists provide psycho-educational skill-building groups/interventions to promote socialization, recovery, wellness, self-advocacy, daily living skills & development of natural/community supports.

The Peer Support Specialist:

• Prepares and provides recovery-oriented, psycho-educational groups;
• Manages a caseload, provides consistent care coordination, skills training and referral completion;
• Assists in evaluating progress, developing individual recovery plans & ensuring appropriate level of care;
• Educates and advocates with family members and other caregivers to support individuals in their recovery;
• Is a role model of recovery, flexibility, and professionalism;
• Documents all contacts and complete individual daily progress notes;
• Works cohesively with co-workers, site physicians, adult outpatient clinicians, administrative staff, agency administration, personal care home providers & family members;
• Possesses basic computer skills & utilize electronic medical records daily;
• Completes/passes agency-sponsored defensive driving course, as well as all other agency-required trainings;
• Is responsible for transporting, via agency vehicle, program participants on community integration outings;
• May require occasional weekend or adjusted hours due to program and community events;
• Additional duties may be assigned by the Program Lead and/or Director, as needed.

Certification as a peer specialist (CPS-MH) by the Georgia Certified Peer Specialist Project; 6 months experience working/volunteering in the capacity of CPS in adult mental health & with individuals diagnosed with severe, persistent mental illness;
Competency in teaching basic group skills, understanding how to engage individuals in treatment & development of self-advocacy;
Minimum of High School diploma or GED;
Proficient computer skills to be able to use electronic medical records;
Care coordination skills to assist individuals with accessing/linking to additional resources and/or services within the agency and/or community;
Must have transportation to and from work, strong interpersonal skills & be a positive team player, ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds, & be a positive role model for persons served.

Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm. Primarily in clinic but does require some work in community during required program outings. May require occasional adjusted hours due to program and community events;
Ability to use a computer, telephone, fax, copy and scanning machine.;
Must complete and pass agency-sponsored defensive driving course, as well as all other agency-required trainings.