Overview
The Residential Peer Support Specialist plays a vital role in supporting residents in our Women's Dual Diagnosis Program, a program that serves Women with a primary substance use disorder and a co-occurring severe and persistent mental illness. This service is highly structured, with integrated treatment to stabilize symptoms and engage clients in a program of maintenance, treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery. The Peer Support Specialist uses personal lived experience, trauma-informed care, and peer-based approaches to empower residents in their recovery and daily lives.
Qualifications
- Preferred age 21+ with a high school diploma or GED.
- Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) certification highly recommended; candidates not yet certified must be committed to obtaining certification as soon as possible.
- Able to pass initial and random drug screenings.
- Knowledge of behavioral health disorders and willingness to expand expertise.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Resourceful, confident, and skilled problem solver.
- Maintains confidentiality (42 CFR, HIPAA).
- Works well independently and as part of a team.
- Valid driver’s license and insurable under agency policy.
- Good stress management and ability to follow directives.
- Flexible schedule (evenings, weekends, holidays).
- Non-judgmental, caring, and growth-oriented attitude.
- Self-motivated, adaptable, and optimistic.
- Trauma-informed and culturally competent approach.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Training and Certification – Complete and maintain all required certifications (e.g., Medication Aide, First Aid/CPR, Confidentiality, Ethics, Cultural Competency, De-escalation, Trauma-Informed Care, Crisis Management).
- Referral Coordination – Partner with the Case Manager to complete referrals, connect with prospective residents, and ensure interim support is provided as needed.
- Resident Engagement – Foster a positive, therapeutic, trauma-informed environment; model positive behaviors and coping skills; assist with communication, problem-solving, and recovery strategies.
- Treatment Participation – Facilitate resident orientation, promote skill-building and advocacy, provide transportation as needed, participate in treatment team meetings, and assist with discharge or temporary placements.
- Clerical Tasks – Answer phones, complete documentation (behavioral observations, incidents, group and progress notes) accurately and promptly.
- Peer Support Services – Conduct one-on-one peer sessions, help residents set goals, track progress, and collaborate with treatment teams.