Certified Peer Support Specialist
To engage and encourage mental health and/or substance abuse Behavioral Health Consumers in recovery, sense of community and belonging, supportive relationships
and valued roles. To promote wellness, self-direction and recovery focus, enhancing the skill and ability of Behavioral Health Consumers to meet their chosen goals. View and engage Behavioral Health consumers as equals.
Essential Duties
Support Behavioral Health consumers to self-determination and advocate for their needs and desires by providing an environment of recovery, wellness and hope.
Encourage Behavioral Health consumers to become self-directed, focus on their strengths, exercise use of natural supports, develop their own recovery goals, and strengthen valued roles within their community.
Encourage Behavioral Health consumers to construct their own recovery and wellness plans which also include proactive crisis plans.
Partner with Behavioral Health consumers to identify and connect with resources.
Support Behavioral Health consumers who seek to identify goals, dreams and desires for their wellness, recovery and/or futures.
Explore with Behavioral Health consumers their experiences and support these individuals in getting appropriate resources for help.
If necessary, supports Behavioral Health consumers in crisis to explore options that may be beneficial to returning to emotional wellness.
May accompany or provide transportation to Behavioral Health consumers to appointments, meetings or community resource settings in an effort to support the consumer’s goals.
A strong commitment to fostering a positive healthy work culture.
Complete documentation of each Behavioral Health consumer contact in the Electronic Health Record, within 72 hours of the contact.
Perform other duties as may be assigned.
Qualifications
State of Wisconsin Certified Peer Specialist Training and Certification and familiarity with recovery values and principles.
Lived experience with psychiatric and substance use disorders, strong emotional distress and/or trauma.
Experience in providing peer support.
Knowledge base in recovery principles, person-centered planning, and trauma informed care.
Knowledge of community resources
Excellent communication skills (oral and written), aptitude for critical thinking, good time management with ability to effectively prioritize responsibilities, and high level of
professionalism and ethical practice.
Ability to document Behavioral Health consumer contacts in appropriate formats.
Positive attitude, enthusiasm, and sincere conviction for providing support to
Behavioral Health consumers with chronic mental illness and/or addiction with complicated psychosocial circumstances.
Ability to establish positive connections and develop relationships with Behavioral Health consumers, their natural supports, and other professionals. Able to meet each Behavioral Health consumer where they are and instill hope for recovery.
Capable of demonstrating sensitivity and respect for the life experiences, individual differences, belief systems and practices, and the motivation for change of each client.
Ability to communicate with individuals from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
Ability to maintain a calm demeanor and make good decisions while adhering to ethical, and regulatory standards and comfortable seeking consultation when needed.
Capable of working independently, demonstrating a high level of professionalism and a positive attitude in the community as a representative of Sheboygan County Health and Human Services.
Ability to provide excellent customer service.
Knowledge of or experience with trauma-informed principles and practices is preferred.
Unlimited access to a car, valid driver’s license, and ability to drive or arrange travel in and out-of-county, as requested by supervisor or his/her designee.
Willingness to facilitate groups preferred.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
Regular contact with Behavioral Health consumers and their family/natural supports, Behavioral Health Division clinicians and case managers, representatives from our
crisis services continuum, other SCHHS staff, community service partners, and members of the public.
May occasionally work with aggressive or violent individuals.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Work is performed in a variety of home, community based and office settings and involves travel.
Must be able to operate standard office equipment including telephone, computer, facsimile, calculator, printer, and photocopier.
Ability to lift up to 20 pounds and a combination of sitting and standing postures may be required.
Risk of blood borne pathogen exposure is considered low.
Deadline Note: