Peer Support Specialist

Overview

Certified Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialist (CBPHSS) encourage, motivate and support patients through sharing their own experiences and assist patients to exercise control over their lives and recovery through mentoring, coaching, and connecting patients with resources. CBPHSS ensures that the needs of the patient from a peer perspective are heard and considered in all decision-making processes that would affect their treatment.

Assure adherence to state statutes and rules, CARF standards, and federal regulations including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part
2. Positively represents the organization and promotes Rimrock’s Mission to the community.

• Provide emotional, informational, instrumental, and affiliation support services to patients. Assist patients in setting recovery and goals and action plans.
• Aid patients in problem solving and connect patients to resources relating to recovery, including finding sober housing, cultivating new friendships, finding new uses of spare time and improving one’s job skills.
• Complete all required documentation including spreadsheets, progress note DAPs, survey, etc.
• Provide patients assistance with collateral issues including criminal justice and/or coexisting physical or mental challenges.
• Encourage education and employment advancement and assist with sober problem solving.
• Model core recovery values (tolerance, acceptance, and gratitude).
• Teach/ demonstrate appropriate self-expression and self-reflection.
• Assist patients in accepting life changes necessary to recovery and development of a new personal identity.

The above knowledge, skills and abilities are typically acquired with a high school diploma or the equivalent. Must be in recovery for two years. Must have completed a state approved Peer Support Training Program and obtained Certification. Must have 1 (one) hour of clinical supervision for every twenty (20) hours worked. Must complete twenty (20) continuing education credits per year pertaining to SUD or mental health services.

Ability to relate to real life experiences of patients. Willingness to share personal stories and journey. Written and verbal communication skills. Provide empathy and possess a knowledge and compassion toward patients. Computer skills necessary.