**Must have NC Peer Support Certificate**
A Peer Support Specialist is a mental health professional who provides support, guidance, and encouragement to individuals who are struggling with mental health challenges. Their role is unique in that they have personal experience living with a mental health condition themselves, which allows them to offer empathy, understanding, and insight from a lived experience perspective.
Job Summary:
The Peer Support Specialist plays a crucial role in providing peer-to-peer support to individuals coping with mental health issues. Drawing upon their own lived experience, the Peer Support Specialist offers empathy, encouragement, and practical assistance to help individuals navigate their mental health journey and achieve their recovery goals. They work collaboratively with mental health professionals to promote wellness, resilience, and community integration.
Responsibilities:
- Peer Support: Engage with individuals receiving mental health services in a supportive and nonjudgmental manner, fostering a sense of hope, empowerment, and connection.
- Individual Support: Provide one-on-one peer support sessions to help individuals identify and address their goals, challenges, and strengths in recovery.
- Group Facilitation: Lead or co-facilitate support groups, workshops, or educational sessions to promote skill-building, socialization, and peer learning within the mental health community.
- Advocacy: Advocate for the rights and preferences of individuals with mental health conditions, both within the mental health system and in the broader community, to reduce stigma and promote inclusion.
- Resource Referral: Assist individuals in accessing community resources, services, and supports that can aid in their recovery journey, such as housing assistance, employment programs, or peer-run organizations.
- Documentation: Maintain accurate and confidential records of peer support interactions, progress notes, and other documentation in accordance with organizational policies and regulatory requirements.
- Professional Development: Participate in ongoing training, supervision, and professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge, skills, and competencies in peer support practices and mental health recovery principles.
- Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including mental health professionals, case managers, and other service providers, to ensure coordinated and holistic care for individuals served.
Qualifications:
- Lived experience with mental health challenges and demonstrated progress in personal recovery.
- Completion of a recognized Peer Support Specialist training program or certification preferred.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to establish rapport and build trusting relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Strong advocacy skills and a commitment to promoting recovery-oriented practices and principles.
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality, and ethical standards in all interactions.
- Flexibility, adaptability, and resilience in responding to the evolving needs and dynamics of the mental health environment.
Education and Experience:
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- 1 Year of lived experience as a recipient of services
- Certification as a Peer Support Specialist
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- 403(b) matching
- Bereavement leave
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Application Question(s):
- What is your salary/pay requirement?
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
License/Certification:
- NC Drivers License (Required)
- NC Peer Support Certificate (Required)
Work Location: In person