FIT Peer Specialist

A Peer Specialist provides peer mentoring and support for individuals with Substance use disorders who have an open, active DCF dependency case . . They assist individuals in navigating the mental health and substance use services system as well as the dependency court system and in achieving resiliency and recovery as defined by the person.

In the performance of their respective tasks and duties, all employees are expected to conform to the following:

• Fully understand and consistently exhibit all of Peace River Center’s Core Values, while fostering the same with all direct reports.
• Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
• Interact professionally with other employees, customers and vendors.
• Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
• Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
• Comply with all Center policies and procedures except those for which the employee gives notice of the need for reasonable accommodation and for which the Center can make such reasonable accommodation.
• Assist staff without substance use lived experience in identifying program environments that are conducive to recovery; lend unique insight into substance use disorders and what makes recovery possible.
• Attends all scheduled work hours, meetings, training, and other center functions as scheduled.
• Complete all daily progress notes, documentation, and assessments in a timely manner as mandated in the FIT Team policies and procedures.
• Document progress of people served to maintain a permanent record of each person’s activities according to established methods and procedures.
• Participate in staff organizational meetings and treatment planning review meetings.
• Provide transportation to people served for scheduled medical, dental, or other appointments as needed and determined to be in the best therapeutic interest of the individual as assigned.
• Assist and support FIT individuals to carry out Case Plan and Treatment goal tasks.
• Help FIT individuals to access reliable transportation (e.g., arrange for cabs, access bus line, apply for Handibus, etc.).
• Provide practical help and supports, advocacy, coordination, side‑by‑side individualized support, problem solving, direct assistance, training, and supervision to help FIT individuals obtain the necessities of daily living including medical and dental health care; legal and advocacy services; financial support; money‑management services; transportation; social‑skill development; and assertiveness training to increase their social and interpersonal activities in community setting
• Assist people served in articulating personal goals for recovery.
• Assist FIT people serve in creating a Relapse Prevention Plan.
• Utilize and teach problem‑solving techniques with individuals and groups.
• Teach FIT people served how to identify and combat negative self‑talk and overcome fears.
• Model effective coping techniques and self‑help strategies.
• Inform FIT people served about community and natural supports and how to utilize these in the recovery process.
• Assisting FIT people serve in developing empowerment skills through self‑advocacy and stigma‑busting

High School Diploma or GED

Has received services for symptoms of substance use and have at least three years of sobriety.

Must have received certification from the State of Florida as a Certified Peer Specialist or be willing to complete and pass state certification within one year of hire. This includes all components of Peer Specialist training required by DCF.

• Complete all PRC required trainings

• Strong commitment to the right and ability of each person with a severe and persistent mental illness and/or substance use disorder to live in normal community residences; work in market jobs; and have access to helpful, adequate, competent, and continuous supports and services.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Skills and competence to establish supportive trusting relationships with persons with severe and persistent mental illnesses and/or…