Adult Peer Support Specialist

Job Summary: 2nd, 3rd, and PRN Shifts available

Utilizes and shares personal experience as a recipient of mental health services to benefit the team and its clients. Serves as a fully integrated team member to provide expertise about the recovery process, symptom management and the persistence required by clients. Provides peer counseling and consultation to clients, families and team staff; acts as a liaison with community resources; carries out rehabilitation and support functions; and assists in treatment, education, support and consultation as needed.

Essential Functions:

- Provide peer counseling and support, drawing on common experiences as a peer, to validate clients experiences and to provide guidance and encouragement to Clients to take responsibility and actively participate in their own recovery.

- Serve as a mentor to clients to promote hope and empowerment.

- Help other team members better understand and empathize with each clients unique and subjective experience and perceptions.

- Provide expertise and consultation from a MH consumer perspective to the entire team concerning clients experiences on symptoms of mental illness, the effects and side-effects of medications, clients responses to, and opinions of, treatment, as well as clients experiences of recovery.

- Help clients to identify, understand and combat stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness and develop strategies to reduce self-stigma.

- Complete required documentation a timely manner.

- Participate in the provision of treatment and substance abuse services as requested by the client.

- Assist in the provision of direct clinical services to clients on an individual, group and family basis to teach behavioral symptom-management techniques and to promote personal growth and development by assisting clients to adapt to and cope with internal and external stressors.

- Provide ongoing assessment, problem solving, skill training and environmental adaptations to assist clients with activities of daily living.

- Provide side-by-side support and coaching to help clients socialize and connect with supports in the community.

- Organize and lead individual and group social and recreational activities to structure clients time, increase social experiences, and provide opportunities to practice social skills.

- Assist clients in articulating personal goals for recovery through the use of one-to-one and group sessions.

- Complete after-care contact to check-in on client progress and provide reminders of upcoming appointments.

- Observe all rules of confidentiality relating to clinical information and treatment, both internally and when dealing with external agencies and/or individuals.

- Remain in compliance of Kentucky regulation 908 KAR 2:220 for Adult Peer Support regarding training, continuing education, and supervision.

- Other duties as needed or assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

- Experience working (either in a paid or volunteer position) with individuals with mental illness or similar populations (i.e. homeless, individuals with severe addictions).

- Associates or Bachelors degree in human services or related field: OR

- At least 2 years paid or volunteer work experience with adults with severe and persistent mental illnesses.

- Valid KY Drivers license and clean driving record to be insurable by agency liability insurance company.

- Current CPR/First aid certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of beginning employment.

- Peer Specialist Certification strongly preferred or ability/willingness to obtain certification within 6 months of employment.

Knowledge and Skills:

- Must have been a recipient of mental health services for severe and persistent mental illness with strong self-knowledge and sufficiently progressed in their own recovery in order to be able to effectively manage their mental illness.

- Strong communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to establish supportive trusting relationships with persons with severe and persistent mental illnesses.

- Ability to work under pressure, to listen to clients concerns and recommend and/or take appropriate action.

- Problem solving and conflict resolution/mediation skills.

- Commitment to the right and ability of persons with severe and persistent mental illness to live in a normal community residence; work in jobs and have access to adequate, competent and continuous supports and services.

- Clear understanding of the characteristics and problems of adults with severe mental illnesses.

- Computer literate, including basic Microsoft word applications

- Must be able to hear and communicate effectively in person and over the phone.

Why Choose RiverValley?

RiverValley is now a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), expanding access to high-quality, integrated care in the communities we serve. Join a mission-driven organization committed to clinical excellence, professional growth, and meaningful impact.

We offer:

- Competitive pay

- Comprehensive benefits (health, dental, vision, Telehealth)

- Paid time off + 9 holidays

- Retirement plan options

- Tuition reimbursement + free CEUs

- Clinical supervision

- Wellness & employee assistance programs

- Mileage reimbursement for work related travel

- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) - eligible employer