Peer Support Specialist

The Peer Specialist supports Persons currently utilizing Respite Services to navigate emotional distress and extreme states with the core mission of transforming what is commonly referred to as “crisis” into a learning and growth opportunity. Other core competencies include working with individuals to move towards their hopes and dreams in life, and to live in the least restrictive environment of their own choosing, while offering feedback and consultation to the other respite staff related to the overall understanding and approach in how services are provided.  Overarching objectives include broadening perspectives on emotional and or/mental distress, sharing information about community resources, advocacy alongside individuals receiving services, and trauma-informed mutual support.



RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Offers support to people receiving services to find their voice and identify wants, needs, goals and dreams.
• Offers support to identify challenges and barriers to self-determined wants and needs, as well as open-ended exploration towards overcoming them.
• Offers advocacy and/or support in preparation for and/or during a variety of the formal or informal meetings (e.g. treatment planning, medical appointments, employment services, etc) and with a primary focus on ensuring the voice, preferences and strengths of the individual receiving services are acknowledged and respected.
• Partners in exploration of community resources and/or recreational activities.
• Offers support and/or advocacy during the start-up and conclusion of the service relationship with CHD.
• Acts as a resource broker, connecting people they support with natural supports, community resources, and continued opportunities to access peer support at the conclusion of a respite stay.
• Partners in researching and uncovering new information and learning opportunities.
• Communicates, represents and promotes the perspective of the person receiving services, serving as an advocate in collaboration with the person.
• Facilitates mutual support and self-help groups and/or supports people receiving services in the development of their own leadership and facilitation skills.
• Promotes the other staff’s learning and understanding of each person’ cultural identity and choices.
• Develops activities, programs and resources that support people in recovery to achieve their self-identified goals.
• Works with individuals to develop or strengthen natural support networks outside of the human service or mental health systems

REQUIREMENTS: 

Must have direct lived experience with psychiatric diagnoses, trauma histories, homelessness, problems with substance and/or other life-disrupting events. The ideal Peer Support Specialist will have strong interpersonal skills, empathy for others, demonstrated commitment to supporting those with significant needs, flexibility and a sense of humor. They must also be able to work well within both a team model and independently.   They must also possess reliability and the ability to learn about and observe rules of confidentiality and ethics. Completion of the Certified Peer Specialist training and computer skills strongly preferred but not mandatory.  Other peer-based training such as Intentional Peer Support, Alternatives To Suicide, Anti-Oppression, Emotional CPR, and Hearing Voices Network Facilitator training a plus. We offer supervisory support, regular team gatherings, and ongoing training for professional growth. Advancement opportunities are available within the CHD structure. Spanish speaking or other bilingual candidates encouraged to apply.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities