ACT Peer Support Specialist

Job Title: PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST

• Participate in assessment of consumer and in development and implementation of person-centered planning process as part of a treatment team
• Promote recovery and self-advocacy by sharing stories of recovery and exploring resources for achieving recovery
• Assist consumers to develop wellness plans
• Assist consumers to develop advance directives
• Assist consumer to access entitlements and maintain eligibility
• Assist consumer to negotiate the human services system
• Provide support during crises
• Provide support for consumers managing health care issues and negotiating the health care system
• Promote community membership, development and maintenance of natural supports, and productivity
• Coordinate with family members, significant others, and service providers
• Provide feedback and education to clinical staff regarding recovery and recovery paths
• Participate in staff meetings, in-service trainings, and supervision
• Update clinical knowledge through readings, trainings, and seminars
• Work cooperatively with members of the team, adjunct providers, and other agencies to ensure timely and accurate service provision

• A High School diploma or GED
• Has a serious mental illness and demonstrates a level of recovery sufficient to manage their illness and function independently
• Received public mental health services currently or in the past
• Apply for and obtain certification through the State of Louisiana (within 6months) following 6 month period of work experience in the ACT program
• Be physically able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation
• Ability to communicate expressively and receptively to facilitate consumer recovery
• Effective written communication skills
• Computer skills adequate to use electronic medical record, manage e-mail, and use internet resources
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of consumer care
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with consumers, family members, staff, physicians, consultants and governmental agencies
• Ability to conduct oneself with tact and courtesy
• Knowledge of recovery resources for co-occurring substance use disorder preferred, but not required