Peer Support Specialist (51532)

WestCare Inc; Florida; On-site; USD 21,855 - 31,127; Full time

Job summary

WestCare Inc is seeking a Full-Time Professional in Pembroke Pines, FL, dedicated to providing peer leadership, advocacy, and emotional support to those in recovery. The role involves engaging with individuals and families and referring clients to necessary community resources. Applicants must have a High School Diploma and ideally, experience in crisis intervention and a strong background in recovery.

This position requires excellent communication skills and a commitment to the missions and goals of WestCare. Benefits of employment include continuous training and a supportive work environment.

Qualifications

• Culturally and linguistically sensitive to populations served.
• Experience in Crisis Intervention is preferred.
• Two years of recovery from a significant mental health or substance abuse disorder.

Responsibilities

• Provide peer leadership, outreach, and advocacy.
• Educate and refer clients to community resources.
• Engage in crisis planning using evidence-based practices.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Ability to exercise good judgment

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Details

• Job Location: Pembroke Pines - 1633 Poinciana Drive - Pembroke Pines, FL 33025
• Position Type: Full Time
• Education Level: High School
• Salary Range: $19.23 - $19.23 Hourly
• Job Category: Nonprofit - Social Services

Position Summary

Person in this position is responsible for providing peer leadership, outreach, advocacy, coaching, and recovery support services to those seeking or sustaining recovery within the community. Job Functions include those listed below.

Essential Job Functions

• Serve as a positive role-model to individuals and their families, sharing experiential knowledge and skills.
• Works with individuals, families, and groups to provide outreach and emotional support.
• Educate and refer clients to community agencies and businesses that appropriately address their needs for food, shelter, clothing, employment, transportation, social service benefits, etc.
• Provides warm hand off to community resources, services, and supports.
• Provide services that promote wellness, recovery, and resiliency.
• Assist clients with establishing or re-establishing support systems within their community.
• Engage with the family members of (or other persons significant to) those in crisis to educate them about self-care and ways to provide support.
• Participate in clinical staffing decisions regarding the patients’ current strengths and resources and their need for additional resources.
• Engages individuals and families in crisis planning process using evidence-based practices including Motivational Interviewing and Mental Health First Aid.
• Facilitates stabilization and care coordination services post-acute intervention.
• Provides after hours services on a rotation schedule.
• Completes all orientation and mandated training activities, including E-Learning Courses, within required timeframes, and in accordance with the criteria established for this position.
• Must embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation; and
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications:

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the duties and responsibilities satisfactorily.
• Must be culturally/linguistically sensitive to populations served.

Experience and Competencies:

• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Adherence to the highest standard of ethical conduct, especially to standards governing confidentiality.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Ability to obtain and maintain clearance from DCF.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain and maintain WestCare’s vehicle insurance is required.

Education and/or Experience:

• Training and/or experience in Crisis Intervention is preferred.
• Two (2) years demonstrated recovery time from a significant mental health and/or substance abuse disorder at the date of application and within the last year either maintained at least 12 months of successful work or volunteer experience.
• Familiarity with Monroe County.
• High School Diploma or equivalent.

Licensure/Certification

Certified Recover Peer Specialists or Certified Recovery Support Specialist through the Florida Certification Board must be obtained within one (1) year of hire; preference will be given to candidates who are currently certified.

Working Conditions

• Work is primarily performed in a professional office/residential setting.
• Some outdoor activities may be required.
• Some travel is required.