Certified Peer Support Specialist

Description Provide recovery education to service recipients for every phase of the recovery journey from pre-recovery engagement, recovery initiation, recovery stabilization, and sustained recovery maintenance. Provide a model for both people in recovery and staff by demonstrating that recovery is possible. Assist recovering persons to identify their personal interests, goals, strengths and weaknesses regarding recovery.

Assist/coach recovering persons develop their own plan for advancing their recovery; for “getting the life they want.” Recovery Planning -- facilitate (via personal coaching) the transition from a professionally directed service plan to a self-directed Recovery Plan. The goal should be to transition from professionally assisted recovery initiation to personally directed, community supported recovery maintenance.

Promote self advocacy by assisting recovering persons to have their voices fully heard; their needs, goals and objectives established as the focal point of rehabilitation and clinical services. Support connections to community based, mutual self-help groups. Link individuals to appropriate professional resources when needed.

Provide vision-driven hope and encouragement for opportunities at varying levels of involvement in community based activities (e.g., work, school, relationships, physical activity, self-directed hobbies, etc.) Develop relationships with community groups/agencies in partnership with others in the agency. As recovery specialist position evolves and knowledge increases, visit community resources with recovering persons to assist them in becoming familiar with potential opportunities.

Identify barriers (internal and external) to full participation in community resources and developing strategies to overcome those barriers. Maintain contact by phone and/or e-mail with recovering person after they leave the program to insure their ongoing success and to provide re-engagement support in partnership with others in the agency if needed.

Long-term engagement, support, and encouragement. Other duties as directed by Executive Director and/or Management Staff.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED or equivalent. Peer Specialist Certification