Certified Peer Specialist (Local Government) -- L0602

DEFINITION:  This is public contact work providing peer support services to mental health consumers to promote growth, recovery and wellness.

An employee in this job is responsible for providing peer support services by serving as a consumer advocate, providing information and support for consumers in outpatient or inpatient settings, and assisting consumers in regaining control over their own lives through the recovery process.  Work involves assisting consumers in self-identifying personal goals for recovery, determining the steps to reach the recovery goals, and providing an environment of mutual respect, empowerment and opportunity to promote self-sufficiency within their home communities.  Work also involves providing information on public services, educational opportunities, employment and vocational skill services; as well as actively listening and advocating with consumers as a way to recognize their strengths and recovery options.  Work is performed under general supervision from a mental health professional and work effectiveness is evaluated by observation and review of prepared records and reports.

EXAMPLES OF WORK:  Advocates for consumers, provides input and speaks on personal experiences regarding mental health issues.

Provides support and assists consumers with skill building activities and facing everyday challenges in conjunction with mental health professional staff and other treatment team members.

Acts as a role model to consumers in areas such as identifying personal strengths, conflict resolution, self-esteem enhancement, assertiveness skills, and other recovery developmental skills.

Meets with individual consumers in recovery to provide input into the treatment/recovery plan in support of mental health staff and other treatment team members.

Provides support and assists consumers with daily decisions and resolution of minor problems.

Observes behavior and evidence of general well-being and discusses observations with the consumer.

Advises and informs consumers on community resources, including housing, employment, education, transportation, recreation, health, religious/spiritual, and other resources to meet consumer goals, objectives and needs.

Attends treatment/recovery team meetings for the purpose of supporting the consumer.

Guides the consumer to improve communications with mental health professional staff regarding their current circumstances.

Supports consumers to take empowering actions in order to regain control over their lives and their recovery.

Prepares reports and records to document consumer accomplishments, growth and recovery progress.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:  Knowledge of the purpose, goals and objectives of the mental health peer support program.

Knowledge of mental health peer support program practices and procedures

Knowledge of the definition and dynamics of the mental health recovery process

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing

Ability to maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to follow written and oral instructions.

Necessary Special Requirement:  Successful completion of a Certified Peer Specialist Training Program approved by the Department of Public Welfare.     

Date Established or Last Revised

Class Specification - 2008

Evaluation Guide - 2009

Commonwealth Equivalent PSG ST03