Peer Support Specialist
A Peer Support Specialist is a professional who utilizes their own experiences with mental health or addiction challenges to support others in their recovery journeys.
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Sample Job Descriptions for Peer Support Specialist
Below are the some sample job descriptions for the different experience levels, where you can find the summary of the role, required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Junior (0-2 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
The Peer Support Specialist position involves providing support and guidance to individuals navigating mental health, substance abuse, or other challenges that require empathy and understanding from someone who has faced similar experiences. The role is centered around using one's own recovery story to assist others with their journey towards wellness.
Required Skills
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Empathy and ability to relate to others' experiences.
- Basic understanding of recovery processes and wellness strategies.
- Ability to facilitate groups and work collaboratively.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Completion of a state-certified peer support training program.
- Lived experience with mental health recovery, substance use recovery, or similar challenges.
- Ability to pass a background check and drug screening.
Responsibilities
- Serve as a role model for clients, demonstrating effective coping techniques and self-help strategies.
- Provide emotional support and encouragement to peers in their recovery process.
- Assist peers with setting personal goals and developing recovery plans.
- Facilitate group sessions and workshops that help peers develop necessary life skills.
- Maintain confidentiality and adhere to professional ethics and boundaries.
- Document peer progress and interactions as required by the program.
- Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive support.
Intermediate (2-5 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
As a Peer Support Specialist, you will provide guidance and support to individuals undergoing mental health, substance abuse, or psychological challenges. Leveraging your personal experiences, you will offer empathy, resources, and encouragement to help clients on their recovery journey. Working collaboratively with a healthcare team, you will help clients set and achieve personal wellness goals.
Required Skills
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to empathize with clients and build trust.
- Group facilitation and crisis intervention skills.
- Knowledge of community mental health resources.
- Basic computer and documentation skills.
Qualifications
- A minimum of 2 years of experience working in a peer support role or relevant field.
- Certification as a Peer Support Specialist or willingness to obtain certification upon hire.
- Demonstrated ability to apply personal recovery experience in a supportive manner.
- Understanding of confidentiality laws, including HIPAA.
- Ability to work independently and as a part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and empathy.
Responsibilities
- Use lived personal experience with mental health or substance use challenges to provide support to others.
- Facilitate group sessions and one-on-one meetings to encourage client participation and engagement.
- Work alongside healthcare professionals to develop and implement individualized care plans.
- Encourage clients in setting realistic and achievable recovery goals.
- Educate individuals about community resources and support systems available.
- Provide crisis intervention as needed.
- Maintain confidentiality and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
- Document client progress and communicate with the healthcare team.
Senior (5+ years of experience)
Summary of the Role
We are seeking a seasoned Peer Support Specialist to provide support and guidance to individuals navigating various life challenges. The ideal candidate has a deep understanding of the recovery process and personal lived experience that can be leveraged to mentor and empower others on their path to wellness.
Required Skills
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Empathetic listener and adept at problem-solving.
- Ability to inspire trust and respect from peers.
- Organizational and record-keeping skills.
- Cultural competency and ability to work with diverse populations.
- Proficiency with data entry and basic administrative tasks.
- Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 5 years of active involvement in own recovery process.
- Certified or ability to become certified as a Peer Support Specialist.
- Experience in mentoring or coaching individuals in a support role.
- Understanding of the principles of recovery and peer support.
- Familiarity with the social and healthcare services landscape.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
- Ability to pass a background check.
Responsibilities
- Offer one-on-one and group support to peers by sharing experiences, strength, and hope.
- Assist peers in developing and implementing personal recovery plans.
- Serve as a role model for recovery and ongoing personal development.
- Navigate community resources and aid peers in accessing needed services.
- Advocate for the needs of peers within the broader healthcare and social service systems.
- Facilitate educational workshops and group discussions on various topics related to recovery and wellbeing.
- Maintain confidentiality and adhere to professional ethics and boundaries.
- Collect and report data regarding peer progress and challenges for continuous program improvement.
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