Job Description
POSITION SUMMARY :
Under immediate general supervision, the Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) provides peer support services; serves as a consumer advocate; provides consumer information and peer support for consumers in a variety of settings.
The CPS performs a wide range of tasks to support consumers in living their own lives and directing their own recovery and wellness process. The CPS will model competency in recovery and wellness.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES :
1. Using the 10-step goal setting process the CPS will:
a. Support consumers in articulating personal goals for recovery and wellness.
b. Support consumers in articulating the objectives necessary to reach his or her recovery and wellness goals.
2. The CPS will document the following on the Individual Recovery/Resiliency Plan by:
a. Assisting consumers in identifying strengths.
b. Assisting consumers in identifying recovery and wellness goals.
c. Assisting consumers in setting objectives.
d. Assisting consumers in identifying barriers.
e. Support consumer in determining recovery and wellness interventions based on consumers' life goals.
f. Recognizing and reporting progress consumers make toward meeting objectives.
g. Understanding and utilizing specific interventions necessary to support consumers in meeting their recovery and wellness goals.
3. Utilizing their specific training, the CPS will:
a. Lead as well as teach consumers how to facilitate Recovery Dialogues
b. Support consumers in creating a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP).
c. Utilize and teach problem solving techniques with individuals and groups.
d. Teach consumers techniques for identifying and combating negative self-talk.
e. Teach consumers techniques for identifying and overcoming fears.
f. Support the vocational choices consumers make and support them in overcoming job-related anxiety.
g. Support consumers in building social skills in the community that will enhance job acquisition and tenure.
h. Support non-consumer staff in identifying program environments that are conducive to recovery; lend their unique insight into mental illness and what makes recovery possible.
i. Attend treatment team meetings to promote consumer's use of self-directed recovery tools.
4. Utilizing their unique recovery experience, the CPSs will:
a. Teach and role model the value of every individual's recovery experience.
b. Support the consumer in obtaining decent and affordable housing of his or her choice in the most integrated, independent, and least intrusive or restrictive environment.
c. Model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies.
5. The CPSs will maintain a working knowledge of current trends and developments in the mental health field by reading books, journals, and other relevant material.
a. Continue to develop and share recovery-oriented material with other CPSs at the continuing education assemblies and on the CPS electronic bulletin board.
b. Attend continuing education sessions when offered by the CPS Project.
c. Attend relevant seminars, meetings, and in-service trainings whenever offered.
6.The CPSs will serve as a recovery agent by:
a. Providing and advocating for effective recovery based services.
b. Support consumers in obtaining services that suit that individual's recovery needs.
c. Inform consumers about community and natural supports and how to utilize these in the recovery process.
d. Support consumers in developing empowerment skill through self-advocacy and the use of Human Experience Language to combat stigma.
e. Support consumers in setting up and sustaining Self-Help support groups.
Qualifications
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Additional Information
EEO Statement:
It is the policy of Families First not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability or because he or she is a protected veteran. It is also the policy of Families First to take affirmative action to employ and to advance in employment, all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status, and to base all employment decisions only on valid job requirements. This policy shall apply to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, upgrading, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, recall, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation and selection for training, including apprenticeship, at all levels of employment.
Families First is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to Affirmative Action and Workforce Diversity.
Families First participates in E-Verify.
The salary range for this position is commensurate with experience. Compensation includes a benefits package with medical, dental, vision. Vacation and sick leave, a generous holiday schedule and a 401(k)-retirement plan with organization match after 1 year of employment.
Interested candidates can apply at www.familiesfirst.org