Peer Support Specialist

Peer Support Specialists and Recovery Coaches operate within the Successful Living Peer Support Program. This position will work with clients 18 years and older living with a chronic mental illness and/or substance use challenges in individual and group (cohort) settings. Through lived experience/formal education, the Peer Support Specialist/Recovery Coach will help clients through offering practical advice and promote the development of individualized coping skills.

CORE DUTIES:

DIRECT INTERACTION WITH CLIENTS

• Meeting one-to-one with clients to work on identified goals.

• Facilitation of group cohort programming for Peer Support participants.

• Developing symptom management strategies

• Identify triggers and coping skills

• Promote development of natural supports and encourage community integration

• Assist in the development of healthy daily living skills

• Monitor physical health and encourage healthy practices

• Promotion of community resources and providing assistance in accessing them.

SERVICE DOCUMENTATION COMPLETION

• Maintain all appropriate documentation to meet the Behavioral Health Iowa Administrative Code of Chapter 24 credentialing requirements and all state, federal, agency guidelines.

• Timely submission of contact individual and group notes and collateral documentation.

• Assist in the maintenance of client files.

• Other documentation as required.

TEAM AND AGENCY PARTICIPATON

• Attend and participate in all Peer Support staff meetings.

• Collaboration with other departments and individuals in pursuit of Peer Support goals with cognizance of agency and other departmental objectives.

• Complete additional training as assigned.

• Assist in training newly hired staff as directed by the Peer Support Program Manager.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Establish and maintain a consistent schedule with clients and negotiate needed adjustments.

• Communicate in a timely manner with the client’s team of care providers.

• Follow through with a consistent schedule and adherence to deadlines.

• Maintain an Outlook calendar with a current schedule reflecting all appointments, cohorts and hours worked.

• Complete all tasks assigned by supervisor.

• Meet with supervisor as weekly or as scheduled.

• Treat all colleagues and clients with dignity and respect.

• Prompt, professional and responsive communication with clients, fellow staff, supervisor, telephonic, electronic, written missive (in writing, face-to-face).

• Follow all agency policies and procedures.

• Dress, personal appearance, and manner of behavior must reflect a professional image.

• Maintain confidentiality and follow HIPAA guidelines.

• Maintain PRS Certification and plan for recertification as needed.

• Other duties as required and/or assigned.

DIRECT SUPERVISOR: Peer Support Program Manager

QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• A current Peer Recovery Specialist (PRS) Certification from the Iowa Board of Certification is required. Certification must be obtained before the first date of employment.

• Group and individual human service delivery experience.

• Pass multiple background checks, including but not limited to dependent adult/child abuse and criminal background check and driving records check.

• Maintain valid driver’s license and reliable, privately insured car, as well as insurability

with agency insurance requirements.

PREFERRED

• Bachelor’s Degree

• Strong organizational skills.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Adaptability to changing requirements and protocols of governmental agencies and designees and revised agency policies.

• Attention to detail.

KEY SKILLS:

• Ability to work and engage with a wide variety of people.

• Problem solving.

• Active listening.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

• Adaptability.

• Ability to meet deadlines.

• Basic computer literacy.

COMPENSATION:

This is an hourly position where hours may vary and include some evenings and weekends. Full-time staff are eligible for health insurance and PTO.

Competitive Benefits Package including, but not limited to:

 $200.00 sign-on bonus after successful completion of initial probationary period.

 Health Insurance (employer-employee funded)

 IRA/ agency match (optional)

 Paid sick, vacation, personal day and holiday time.

 Mileage Reimbursement

 Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

 Staff Development & Training