Peer Support Specialist

The Lakes Region Mental Health Center, Inc.; Laconia (NH); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Lakes Region Mental Health Center, Inc. seeks a full-time Peer Support Specialist to use lived experience of recovery to support patients with mental illness and substance use disorders. You will work days Monday through Friday within a multidisciplinary team and provide mind-body recovery and resiliency support.

You will participate in supervision, screen for services, document in the EHR, and help patients navigate community resources. A valid NH driver's license is required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; degree in human services preferred.
• Certification as Peer Specialist or Recovery Coach, or ability to obtain within 1 year.
• Must have a valid New Hampshire driver’s license and auto insurance.

Responsibilities

• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team using evidence-based treatments.
• Support patients in recovery journeys and mutual relationships.
• Screen patients for services by phone or walk-ins as needed.
• Document services in the EHR for billable and non-billable care.
• Transport patients as needed and maintain professional boundaries.

Skills

Strong written and verbal comms

Lived experience with mental illness/S

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Degree in human services/mental health (preferred)

Peer Specialist/Recovery Coach certification (or within 1 year)

NH driver’s license & auto insurance

Job description

Clinical Professional Full Time , Days , M-F

Position Summary:

The Peer Support Specialist advances the Lakes Region Mental Health Center mission through using their lived experience of recovery from mental illness and /or addiction, plus skills learned in formal training, to deliver services in mental health settings to provide mind-body recovery and resiliency. The Peer Support Specialist, under the general direction of their supervisor, will share their stories of recovery and enter mutually supportive relationships with patients that support recovery.

• Ability to work as part of a supportive, multi-disciplinary team that utilizes a range of evidence-based treatment modalities to help individuals with mental illness and substance use disorders.
• Support patients in recovery journey.
• Attends and participates in individual and group supervision, as scheduled.
• Screen patients for services over the phone or walk ins, as needed.
• Provide clinically necessary services identified in patient treatment service plan.
• Review and administer assessments, as required.
• Documentation completed in EHR for billable and non-billable services in a timely manner.
• Obtain signatures as required.
• Maintain boundaries and mutuality.
• Identifies natural supports and gathers collateral information as needed.
• Transport patients as needed.

Required Skills/Abilities:

The individual must possess the knowledge, skills and ability noted below or be able to explain and demonstrate how the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some combination of skills and abilities.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Lived experience with mental illness and/or substance use disorder (SUD)

Education and Experience:

• Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent is required. Relevant degree in human services or mental health preferred. Certification as a Peer Specialist, Recovery Coach or the ability to obtain such certification within 1 year of employment preferred. Must possess a valid New Hampshire driver’s license and auto insurance in accordance with LRMHC policies and procedures.

Physical Requirements:

• Able to sustain light physical effort such as frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping or reaching and/or occasional lifting of items 20 lbs. or less
• Can tolerate periods of heavy workload or excessive stress.
• Ability to walk long distances in the community, including using stairs, ramps, elevators and escalators as needed with clients.