What are the responsibilities and job description for the Certified Peer Specialist position at Merakey?
General Responsibilities:
1. Work with consumers in completing an assessment to guide recovery planning
2. Assist consumers in articulating personal goals for recovery.
3. Assist consumers in determining the objectives/actions needed in order to reach recovery goals.
4. Determine interventions based on consumers' recovery goals.
5. Assess progress consumers make toward meeting objectives and recovery goals, guide individuals in making necessary changes to plans and celebrate individual successes.
6. Assist or facilitate engagement of consumers in external groups to create plans for wellness, relapse prevention and crisis planning using tools such as the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) and Psychiatric Advance Directive
7. Utilize and teach problem solving techniques.
8. Teach consumers how to identify and overcome negative self-talk and fears.
9. Support the vocational choices consumers make and assist them in overcoming job-related anxiety.
10. Assist consumers with building social skills in the community that will enhance job acquisition and tenure.
11. Inform consumers about community and natural supports and how to utilize these in the recovery process.
12. Assist consumers in developing empowerment skills through education and self-advocacy.
13. Provide insight into the cultural stigma surrounding mental illness and demonstrate effective and appropriate techniques to combat negative stereotyping.
14. Educate and assist consumers in obtaining services that suit that individual's recovery needs.
15. Assist the consumer in obtaining and maintaining decent and affordable housing of his or her choice in the most integrated, independent and least intrusive or restrictive environment.
16. Advocate as needed for effective recovery based services.
17. Teach and role model the value of every individual's recovery experience.
18. Model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies.
19. Offer a non-judgmental forum for listening and providing empathy for the struggles of consumers.
20. Collaborate with other formal and informal supports to promote recovery in all service areas.
21. Assist and educate, (with the individual's consent), family members and others to understand possible warning signs and triggers, appropriate supportive responses, wellness measures, and the overall recovery process.
22. Assist non-consumer staff in identifying program environments that are conducive to recovery; lend unique insight into mental illness and what makes recovery possible.
23. Be a source of positivity and hope that recovery is attainable and can lead to productive, meaningful lives.
24. Uphold and support the policies and standards of NHS Human Services.
25. Participate in weekly supervision and attend weekly staff meetings.
26. Complete all required documentation for every consumer encounter.
27. Attend required trainings to maintain Peer Certification (18 credit hours per year).
28. Perform other tasks as assigned to support consumer recovery.
ABOUT MERAKEY
Merakey is a leading developmental, behavioral health, and education non-profit provider offering a breadth of integrated services to individuals and communities across the country. We leverage our size and expertise to develop innovative solutions and new models of care to meet the needs of individuals, their families, public and private healthcare funders and community partner organizations.
The work of Merakey is anchored in the firm belief that it is every individual's right to achieve growth, dignity, and fulfillment in their lives. Surrounding professional staff with the best in technology and supports, Merakey is a leader in the industry and remains committed to helping people...one individual at a time.
Benefits
Merakey offers flexible schedules, Medical, Dental, Vision insurance plans, competitive compensation plans, tuition reimbursement, work/life balance, and so much more!
Merakey is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer!We deeply value diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, ethnic background, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or disability status. Moreover, we are committed to creating teams that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and encourage applicants from underrepresented backgrounds to apply.
Requirements:Must have received Peer Specialist Certification upon graduation of the Certified Peer Specialist Training. In addition, must have a high school diploma or general equivalence degree (GED) and within the last 3 years has maintained at least 12 months of successful full or part time paid or voluntary work experience, or obtained at least 24 credit hours of post secondary education.
