PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services this class is accountable for using shared life experiences and recovery management techniques to engage, motivate, educate and mentor clients in achieving individualized goals for successful community living.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
- Offer peer support using shared life experiences and interactions;
- Provide ongoing engagement and fostering the use of individuals’ strengths and abilities to improve socialization, self-advocacy, use of natural supports, and community living skills;
- Utilize client centered approaches to assist clients in identifying recovery priorities;
- Coach and provide skill building, and link clients to community-services;
- Participate in assigned rehabilitative interventions, supports clients to meet their needs and goals, and provide observations to the individual and to the clinical team;
- Provide outreach, engagement, and interventions as identified through the recovery planning process;
- Assist with community integration by providing support for attendance at self-help meetings, medical appointments, and use of public transportation;
- Provide psycho educational interventions to clients and families about recovery practices;
- Engage clients at risk or with medical conditions in wellness activities, attend medical and clinical appointments with clients as indicated, serve as a peer to assist navigating healthcare systems, and provide support in dealing with stress;
- Complete medical record documentation in accordance with policies and procedures
- Use and have knowledge of computer software including for documentation and training purposes;
- Process considerable interpersonal skills, and oral and written communication skills;
- Protect and maintain client confidentiality;
- Travel to provide services and attend meetings.
For more information, please see the job specification.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
- Knowledge of
- community support systems and resources;
- person-centered planning, Wellness Recovery Action Planning and other recovery management techniques;
- the principles and procedures of psychiatric rehabilitation;
- Considerable
- interpersonal skills;
- oral and written communication skills;
- Ability to
- observe and redirect client behavior;
- utilize computer software.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS – GENERAL EXPERIENCE
Six (6) months of experience working in the mental health and/or substance use recovery field.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS – SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED
Six (6) months of experience as a Recovery Support Specialist Trainee may be substituted for the General Experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience working in the community to assist mental health substance abuse clients
- Experience facilitating peer-led groups
- Experience working as a Recovery Support Specialist providing trauma-informed community-based care to clients with severe and persistent mental illness
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Incumbents in this class must possess and retain a recovery support certification.
- Incumbents must adhere to the DMHAS Peer Support Ethical Guidelines.
- Incumbents in this class may be required to be bilingual or fluent in American Sign Language.
- Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
- Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and maintain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.