Position Summary
The primary role of the Peer Specialist is to provide peer support to individuals with mental illness, substance abuse and/or co-occurring disorders enrolled in program. The PS will function as a role model to peers; exhibiting competency in personal recovery and use of coping skills; serving as a consumer advocate, providing information and peer support for clients primarily in the client’s home. The PS connects each client to community-based recovery support services that are relevant to the client such as AA/NA, faith-based services, and others self-disclosing supportive services to assist peers in regaining independence within the community. The PS is also responsible for entering client information into HMIS systems and helping to track performance outcomes.
Purpose
The purpose of the Peer Specialist is to serve as an extension of Ability Housing to ensure programs optimally fulfill the agency’s mission and achieve maximum positive impacts for each resident, neighborhood, and the community.
Reporting to the Director of Programs, the Peer Specialist is sensitive to the emotional, spiritual, and practical needs of the clients we serve. The PS adjusts priorities and schedules to meet specific client needs. The PS reports and/or corrects problems related to safety, cleanliness and comfort of clients and work areas.
The PS is also responsible for developing and maintaining effective working relationships with partners and potential partner organizations and maintaining active knowledge of industry-related best practices.
Essential Responsibilities
1. Develops positive relationships with tenants and program participants.
2. Assist clients in articulating personal goals for recovery using one to one and group sessions. During these sessions, the PS will support clients in identifying and creating goals and developing recovery plans with the skills, strengths, supports and resources to aid them in achieving goals.
3. Assist clients in working with their case manager or treatment team in determining the steps he/she needs to take to achieve these goals and self-directed recovery.
4. Utilize tools such as the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) to assist clients in creating their own individual wellness and recovery plans.
5. Assist clients in developing empowerment skills and combating stigma through self-advocacy.
6. Provides accurate information about available assistance and completes necessary referrals.
7. Refers clients to appropriate programs for assistance.
8. Maintains accurate and timely data entry of all client contacts in data tracking systems.
9. Works collaboratively with the Director of Programs to complete required reports to document program performance outcome measures.
10. Works closely with the Behavioral Health and Housing Program staff in determining the steps clients need to take in order to achieve their goals and self-directed recovery.
11. Assist clients in building social skills in the community that will enhance positive relationships.
12. Attend staff development training and meetings as directed by the Director of Programs.
13. All other duties as assigned.
Physical/Mental Demands and Working Conditions:
· Personal vehicle and valid Florida driver’s license.
· Acceptable annual Motor Vehicle Record check.
· Physically able to work in a fast paced, multitasked environment.
· Ability to pass a Level II Background Screening.
· Ability to travel.
· Works in a typical office setting.
· Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel.
Qualifications:
The successful candidate will have the following desired qualifications:
· A High School Diploma is required.
· A peer specialist certification required or will agree to obtain it within one (1) year of hire.
· Experience working as a Peer Specialist is preferred.
· Ability to establish cooperative working relationships with residents, colleagues, community partners, and volunteers.
· Ability to interact with people from diverse cultures and racial backgrounds.
· Excellent customer service skills.
· Excellent interpersonal skills, leadership skills, and ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
· Ability to manage and de-escalate crisis situations.
· Experience working with vulnerable populations is preferred.
· Working knowledge of community resources.
· Proficient computer skills.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $31,200.00 - $39,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
Application Question(s):
- Are you a Certified Peer Specialist?
Ability to Commute:
- Orlando, FL 32810 (Required)
Work Location: In person