Peer Support Specialist| Adults | DDS

• Helps develop Person’s confidence in order to articulate their goals for recovery
• Interacts with Persons in order to assess needs, provide information, discuss problems, identify patterns and stressors, and encourage growth and development
• Works with and supports individuals to prepare for a variety of formal and informal meetings including treatment planning, employment services, and social engagements.
• Assists Persons with activities of daily living, e.g. food shopping and preparation, housekeeping, laundry, budget/banking
• At the request of the Person may transport Person in matters related to service delivery, e.g. medical appointments, shopping, job interviews, vocational programs, banking, etc.
• Provides for and participates in Person’s recreational activities e.g. dining out, spectator sports, movies, shopping
• Supports and advocates for Persons during admission and termination from the program.
• Notifies supervisory staff immediately in the event of a Person’s crisis, suspected illegal activity, or any behavior constituting an incident in the program
• Visits Persons; attends hospital group therapy meetings with Persons when appropriate
• Informs, trains, supports, and empowers individuals using mental health services.
• 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 guides participants in the development of their own leadership and facilitation skills.
• Promotes understanding of each person’s cultural identity to be able to enhance support and respect of the person’s choices.
• Adheres to program policies and procedures manual
• Participates in a team approach, sharing responsibility for Person services
• Develops activities, programs, and resources that support people in recovery to achieve their self-identified goals.
• Works with individuals to develop or strengthen natural supports outside of the human service or mental health systems.

Qualifications

• Current or previous experience as someone who has experienced a life-altering trauma and has recovered. A willingness to convey this experience as relevant.
• A high school diploma required
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred

The Gándara Mental Health Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.