Peer Support Specialist Job Description

 

Job Title: Peer Support Specialist

 

Job Summary:

As a Peer Support Specialist, you will be responsible for providing emotional support, advocacy, and guidance to individuals with mental health or substance use disorders. Your duties will include sharing your own experiences with recovery, providing information about community resources, and helping individuals develop and achieve their personal goals. You will also be responsible for promoting self-advocacy and encouraging individuals to take an active role in their own recovery.

 

Responsibilities:

- Provide emotional support, advocacy, and guidance to individuals with mental health or substance use disorders.

- Share your own experiences with recovery and provide hope and encouragement to individuals who are struggling.

- Provide information about community resources, including mental health and substance use treatment services, housing, employment, and education.

- Help individuals develop and achieve their personal goals, using a strengths-based and person-centered approach.

- Assist individuals in navigating the healthcare and social services systems, and advocate for their needs and rights.

- Promote self-advocacy and encourage individuals to take an active role in their own recovery.

- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of client interactions and progress.

- Participate in ongoing training and education to maintain knowledge of mental health and substance use disorders and recovery.

 

Requirements:

- High school diploma or equivalent.

- Completion of a Peer Support Specialist training program or certification as a Peer Support Specialist.

- Lived experience with mental health or substance use disorders and recovery.

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and ability to work effectively with individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

- Ability to provide emotional support and guidance to individuals in a non-judgmental and empathetic manner.

- Knowledge of community resources and services for individuals with mental health or substance use disorders.

- Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with clients, and promote self-advocacy and empowerment.

- Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.

- Willingness to work flexible hours and adjust to changes in client needs and staffing requirements.

- Experience working as a Peer Support Specialist, preferably in a mental health or substance use treatment setting.