JOB DESCRIPTION
Peer Specialist
POSITION TITLE: Peer Specialist
EFFECTIVE DATE: June 2015
PROGRAM: FITT
REPORTS TO: FITT Program Manager
FACILITY: Gulf Coast
CITY: Lakeland
JOB STATUS: Full time permanent
FLSA: Non Exempt
Job Summary:
A Peer Specialist provides peer mentoring and support for individuals with Substance Abuse disorders and receiving mental health services. They assist individuals in navigating the mental health services system and in achieving resiliency and recovery as defined by the person.
General Expectations:
In the performance of their respective task and duties, all employees are expected to conform to the following:
a. Fully understand and consistently exhibit all of Peace River Center’s Core Values, while fostering the same with all direct reports.
b. Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
c. Interact professionally with other employees, customer and vendors.
d. Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
e. Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
Essential Duties/Requirements/Activities:
• Comply with all Center policies and procedures except those for which the employee gives notice of the need for reasonable accommodation and for which the Center can make such reasonable accommodation.
• Assist non-consumer staff in identifying program environments that are conducive to recovery; lend unique insight into substance use disorders and what makes recovery possible.
• Attends all scheduled work hours, meeting, training, and other center functions as scheduled.
• Complete all daily progress notes, documentation, and assessments in a timely manner as mandated in the FITT Team policies and procedures.
• Document persons progress to maintain a permanent record of person’s activity according to established methods and procedures.
• Participate in daily staff organizational meetings and treatment planning review meetings.
• Provide transportation to participant's for scheduled medical, dental, or other appointments as needed and determined to be in the best therapeutic interest of the participant as assigned.
• Assist and support FITT participants to carry out Case Plan and Treatment goal tasks.
• Help FITT participants to access reliable transportation (e.g., arrange for cabs, access bus line, apply for Handibus, etc.).
• Provide practical help and supports, advocacy, coordination, side-by-side individualized support, problem solving, direct assistance, training, and supervision to help FITT participants obtain the necessities of daily living including medical and dental health care; legal and advocacy services; financial support; money-management services; transportation; social-skill development; and assertiveness training to increase their social and interpersonal activities in community settings.
• Assist consumers in articulating personal goals for recovery.
• Assist FITT participants in creating a Relapse Prevention Plan.
• Utilize and teach problem solving techniques with individuals and groups.
• Teach FITT participants how to identify and combat negative self-talk and overcome fears.
• Model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies.
• Inform FITT participants about community and natural supports and how to utilize these in the recovery process.
• Assist FITT participants in developing empowerment skill through self-advocacy and stigma-busting
Qualifications:
Education:
High School Diploma or GED
Experience:
Has received DCF dependency services for symptoms of substance use
Certifications:
Must have received certification from the State of Florida as a Certified Peer Specialist or be willing to obtain that state certification
Training:
Complete all PRC required trainings
Knowledge and Skills:
Strong commitment to the right and ability of each person with a severe and persistent mental illness to live in normal community residences; work in market jobs; and have access to helpful, adequate, competent, and continuous supports and services.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Skills and competence to establish supportive trusting relationships with persons with severe and persistent mental illnesses and respect for person’s rights and personal preferences in treatment.
Good written and verbal communication skills.
Safety Equipment
Universal Precautions
Comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules and regulations
Life Safety Equipment (fire extinguisher)
Transportation:
Must have reliable transportation
Must carry and maintain $50,000/$100,000 bodily injury coverage on personal vehicle and provide proof of coverage
Must have a valid Florida driver’s license
Must submit to a Florida criminal/offender background check
Must meet Peace River Center's DOT driving requirements with a minimum age of 25 and clean driving record
Company cars are provided and will be used as available. At times, a company car may not be available at the time you may need to go into the community to provide services. During those times, you must use your personal vehicle and will be awarded travel reimbursement according to Peace River Center policies. However, FACT participants are never to be transported in personal vehicles.The company vehicles will be reserved for participant transportation.
Physical Requirements:
Machines, Tool and Equipment Used:
Computer, telephone, fax, copier
Supervisory Relationship(s)
None
Work Environment:
May present exposure to adverse working conditions due to people who have substance use issues, who may present some exposure to communicable diseases, be verbally abusive or present a threat of violence.
Office Environment
Approximately 75% of work performed will be in-home or in the community, outside of the office.
Flexible daytime hours
Limitations and Disclaimer:
While the essential duties of your job are outlined above, it may be necessary at times for the Company and/or your supervisor to vary your responsibilities while keeping them within the scope of the work you were hired to do.
I have read and understand this job description and hereby certify that I am qualified to perform this position and can perform the essential functions of this position, with or without a reasonable accommodation. Please list any requested accommodation below if an accommodation is necessary to perform the essential function of this position.
Name (please print) Signature Date
Accommodation requested (if applicable)
Peer Specialist
POSITION TITLE: Peer Specialist
EFFECTIVE DATE: June 2015
PROGRAM: FITT
REPORTS TO: FITT Program Manager
FACILITY: Gulf Coast
CITY: Lakeland
JOB STATUS: Full time permanent
FLSA: Non Exempt
Job Summary:
A Peer Specialist provides peer mentoring and support for individuals with Substance Abuse disorders and receiving mental health services. They assist individuals in navigating the mental health services system and in achieving resiliency and recovery as defined by the person.
General Expectations:
In the performance of their respective task and duties, all employees are expected to conform to the following:
a. Fully understand and consistently exhibit all of Peace River Center’s Core Values, while fostering the same with all direct reports.
b. Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
c. Interact professionally with other employees, customer and vendors.
d. Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
e. Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
Essential Duties/Requirements/Activities:
• Comply with all Center policies and procedures except those for which the employee gives notice of the need for reasonable accommodation and for which the Center can make such reasonable accommodation.
• Assist non-consumer staff in identifying program environments that are conducive to recovery; lend unique insight into substance use disorders and what makes recovery possible.
• Attends all scheduled work hours, meeting, training, and other center functions as scheduled.
• Complete all daily progress notes, documentation, and assessments in a timely manner as mandated in the FITT Team policies and procedures.
• Document persons progress to maintain a permanent record of person’s activity according to established methods and procedures.
• Participate in daily staff organizational meetings and treatment planning review meetings.
• Provide transportation to participant's for scheduled medical, dental, or other appointments as needed and determined to be in the best therapeutic interest of the participant as assigned.
• Assist and support FITT participants to carry out Case Plan and Treatment goal tasks.
• Help FITT participants to access reliable transportation (e.g., arrange for cabs, access bus line, apply for Handibus, etc.).
• Provide practical help and supports, advocacy, coordination, side-by-side individualized support, problem solving, direct assistance, training, and supervision to help FITT participants obtain the necessities of daily living including medical and dental health care; legal and advocacy services; financial support; money-management services; transportation; social-skill development; and assertiveness training to increase their social and interpersonal activities in community settings.
• Assist consumers in articulating personal goals for recovery.
• Assist FITT participants in creating a Relapse Prevention Plan.
• Utilize and teach problem solving techniques with individuals and groups.
• Teach FITT participants how to identify and combat negative self-talk and overcome fears.
• Model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies.
• Inform FITT participants about community and natural supports and how to utilize these in the recovery process.
• Assist FITT participants in developing empowerment skill through self-advocacy and stigma-busting
Qualifications:
Education:
High School Diploma or GED
Experience:
Has received DCF dependency services for symptoms of substance use
Certifications:
Must have received certification from the State of Florida as a Certified Peer Specialist or be willing to obtain that state certification
Training:
Complete all PRC required trainings
Knowledge and Skills:
Strong commitment to the right and ability of each person with a severe and persistent mental illness to live in normal community residences; work in market jobs; and have access to helpful, adequate, competent, and continuous supports and services.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Skills and competence to establish supportive trusting relationships with persons with severe and persistent mental illnesses and respect for person’s rights and personal preferences in treatment.
Good written and verbal communication skills.
Safety Equipment
Universal Precautions
Comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules and regulations
Life Safety Equipment (fire extinguisher)
Transportation:
Must have reliable transportation
Must carry and maintain $50,000/$100,000 bodily injury coverage on personal vehicle and provide proof of coverage
Must have a valid Florida driver’s license
Must submit to a Florida criminal/offender background check
Must meet Peace River Center's DOT driving requirements with a minimum age of 25 and clean driving record
Company cars are provided and will be used as available. At times, a company car may not be available at the time you may need to go into the community to provide services. During those times, you must use your personal vehicle and will be awarded travel reimbursement according to Peace River Center policies. However, FACT participants are never to be transported in personal vehicles.The company vehicles will be reserved for participant transportation.
Physical Requirements:
Machines, Tool and Equipment Used:
Computer, telephone, fax, copier
Supervisory Relationship(s)
None
Work Environment:
May present exposure to adverse working conditions due to people who have substance use issues, who may present some exposure to communicable diseases, be verbally abusive or present a threat of violence.
Office Environment
Approximately 75% of work performed will be in-home or in the community, outside of the office.
Flexible daytime hours
Limitations and Disclaimer:
While the essential duties of your job are outlined above, it may be necessary at times for the Company and/or your supervisor to vary your responsibilities while keeping them within the scope of the work you were hired to do.
I have read and understand this job description and hereby certify that I am qualified to perform this position and can perform the essential functions of this position, with or without a reasonable accommodation. Please list any requested accommodation below if an accommodation is necessary to perform the essential function of this position.
Name (please print) Signature Date
Accommodation requested (if applicable)