The Certified Peer Support Specialist works as part of the Adult Outpatient/Case Management treatment team to provide one-on-one and/or group support and assistance to adults in their communities, helping them to overcome challenges and treatment barriers and stigma related to mental illness. CPSS provide services to help individuals to live happier, healthier lives. They serve in a variety of activities that require many skills and participation in the person centered treatment process.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES include, but may not be limited to the following:

• Reports to work on time as scheduled and at the location assigned.
• Completes all required trainings within established timeframes.
• Provides peer support, linkage, and advocacy. Responsible for transporting/accompanying consumers to community appointments, clinic appointments, activities and other resources as identified in their person-centered plan.
• May assist clients in acquiring safe and stable housing, obtain eligible benefits, employment.
• May assist clients with developing a support system and provide support to increase independence.
• Assesses personal needs of clients in areas such as housing, finance, education, natural supports, self-care, vocation, and symptom management, and participates in the person-centered treatment process.
• Assesses client needs and mental health status during visits.
• Facilitates client involvement in the treatment planning process and social interaction.
• Practices and promotes Person-Centered Planning, Self Determination and Recovery principles.
• Works as part of a treatment team to facilitate efficient operation of the program and client services.
• Participates in team meetings.
• Participates in supervision and program staff meetings.
• Participates in developing problem solving strategies as related to client and program needs.
• Provides conscientious and reliable delivery of clinical services while maintaining high standards of personal conduct in a manner that fosters recovery and independence.
• Utilizes appropriate and effective interventions based on client needs.
• Creates a supportive environment conducive to client growth.
• Shares own recovery experience with consumers and provide support based on knowledge related to personal experiences with mental illness and symptom management.
• Respects the privacy and confidentiality of those they serve at all times, as well as respects the rights and dignity of those they serve.
• Completes the required State of Michigan Peer Training, pass the exam and become State of Michigan certified as a CPSS.
• Adheres to the Michigan Certified Peer Support Specialist Code of Ethics.
• Keeps current with emerging knowledge relevant to recovery, and openly share this knowledge with their colleagues and those they serve.
• Actively pursues recovery in their own life as well as role model recovery for others.
• Provides support and referral to needed services during crises.
• Completes all Progress and Chart notes within 48 business hours of service delivery.
• Maintains required 80 monthly direct service hours.
• Completes other assigned responsibilities in a reasonable established timeframe, within quality expectations.

COMPETENCIES

Equity Mindset-Understands and is committed to goals of equity, consistently centers equity in the organization’s work and workplace:

• Awareness of equity issues
• Ability to actively combat inequities

CPSS has awareness of vulnerable populations and identifies disparities that prohibit access to healthcare services. CPSS believes in the potential and resilience of all clients and seeks feedback on the treatment effectiveness and satisfaction from disparity-vulnerable individuals and families. The CPSS is engaged in continuous learning and reflection of personal bias, assumptions and cultural awareness.

Cultural Humility-Demonstrates the value of diversity and inclusion; fosters an inclusive environment that facilitates a diverse team thriving within the organization:

• Awareness
• Advancing diversity and inclusion

CPSS values diversity and inclusion in the workplace; is respectful of the opinions of others and has awareness of the value of a multiple lens cultural perspective; contributing to the advancement of diversity and inclusion in the workforce and community.

Communication-Uses effective written and oral communication with internal staff, teams and community served; demonstrates empathy and listening:

• Communication approach
• Inquiry and listening
• Collaboration

CPSS demonstrates strong communication skills with professional peers, colleagues, clients and their family members. CPSS demonstrates professionalism through respectful, non-judgmental and welcoming interventions.

Ownership and Quality of Work- Effectively manages own work, and work of teams when relevant, ensuring delivery of high-quality service:

• Taking ownership
• Quality of work product

CPSS efficiently manages caseload, consistently meets required timeframes and ensures the highest quality of service delivery and consumer satisfaction.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma/GED. Some college preferred.
• Experience working in a clubhouse setting or drop-in participation is desirable.

QUALIFICATIONS - To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the education, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Possession of a valid Michigan Driver’s License with a good driving record.
• Access to a private vehicle for day-today performance, when needed.
• Completion of Peer Specialist Training within one year of hire.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Possess the ability to communicate with others clearly in writing and verbally, with active listening skills.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the application procedures for the entitlements that are needed to be able to reside in the community.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS - The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.