Peer Specialist

Claratel Behavioral Health; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Claratel Behavioral Health seeks a Peer Support Specialist to provide recovery-focused services within our community-based program. You will facilitate psycho-educational groups, manage a caseload, and assist in developing recovery plans while coordinating with families and care teams.

Role requires CPS-MH certification, basic computer skills, and ability to work in a clinic setting with potential community outings. Training and Defen­sive Driving courses are provided; transportation is required.

Qualifications

• Certification as a peer specialist (CPS-MH) by the Georgia Certified Peer Specialist Project.
• Minimum of 6 months experience working/volunteering as CPS with adults with severe mental illness.
• Proficiency using electronic medical records and basic computer tasks.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and deliver recovery-oriented psycho-educational groups.
• Manage caseload; coordinate care, provide skills training, and complete referrals.
• Evaluate progress and develop individual recovery plans with appropriate level of care.
• Educate and advocate with families and caregivers to support recovery.
• Serve as a role model of recovery, flexibility and professionalism.
• Document all contacts and complete daily progress notes.
• Collaborate with clinicians, staff, and families to support participants.
• Use electronic medical records daily.
• Complete required trainings including defensive driving.
• Transport participants for community outings as needed.
• Occasionally work weekends or extended hours may be required.
• Other duties may be assigned by the Program Lead or Director.

Skills

CPS-MH certification

Basic computer skills

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Electronic medical records (EMR)

Job description

About Claratel Behavioral Health

Claratel Behavioral Health is an innovative, community-based behavioral health and developmental disabilities services organization offering a full range of mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorder services to underserved individuals. As a public, not-for-profit organization, Claratel Behavioral Health operates in more than 20 locations in DeKalb County, Georgia, with a diverse workforce of more than 400 direct-care and support staff. If you are passionate about driving change in behavioral health and developmental services and are eager to work in an environment that values innovation and inclusivity, Claratel Behavioral Health is the place for you. Here, your work is impactful, your growth is prioritized, and your well-being is supported. Together, we can forge pathways to a healthier future for all.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Peer Support Specialist is an integral part of the Peer Support Program, which provides recovery-focused services to individuals with severe, persistent mental illnesses. Under general supervision, Peer Support Specialists provide psycho-educational skill-building groups/interventions to promote socialization, recovery, wellness, self-advocacy, daily living skills & development of natural/community supports.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepares and provides recovery-oriented, psycho-educational groups;
• Manages a caseload, provides consistent care coordination, skills training and referral completion;
• Assists in evaluating progress, developing individual recovery plans & ensuring appropriate level of care;
• Educates and advocates with family members and other caregivers to support individuals in their recovery;
• Is a role model of recovery, flexibility, and professionalism;
• Documents all contacts and complete individual daily progress notes;
• Works cohesively with co-workers, site physicians, adult outpatient clinicians, administrative staff, agency administration, personal care home providers & family members;
• Possesses basic computer skills & utilize electronic medical records daily;
• Completes/passes agency-sponsored defensive driving course, as well as all other agency-required trainings;
• Is responsible for transporting, via agency vehicle, program participants on community integration outings;
• May require occasional weekend or adjusted hours due to program and community events;
• Additional duties may be assigned by the Program Lead and/or Director, as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

Certification as a peer specialist (CPS-MH) by the Georgia Certified Peer Specialist Project; 6 months experience working/volunteering in the capacity of CPS in adult mental health & with individuals diagnosed with severe, persistent mental illness; Competency in teaching basic group skills, understanding how to engage individuals in treatment & development of self-advocacy; Minimum of High School diploma or GED; Proficient computer skills to be able to use electronic medical records; Care coordination skills to assist individuals with accessing/linking to additional resources and/or services within the agency and/or community; Must have transportation to and from work, strong interpersonal skills & be a positive team player, ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds, & be a positive role model for persons served.

Working Conditions:

Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm. Primarily in clinic but does require some work in community during required program outings. May require occasional adjusted hours due to program and community events; Ability to use a computer, telephone, fax, copy and scanning machine.; Must complete and pass agency-sponsored defensive driving course, as well as all other agency-required trainings.

Pre-employment drug screening and successful completion of a criminal history background check is required.

Claratel Behavioral Health participates in E-Verify (Company ID: 226305)

Claratel Behavioral Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates who may require an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act or similar law to perform the essential functions of this job are encouraged to contact Human Resources at [e-mail].