Peer Support Specialist

We are seeking a dedicated Peer Support Specialist to join our outpatient clinic team. As a Peer Support Specialist, you will be responsible for facilitating groups and providing peer support services to individuals receiving treatment for mental health and/or substance use disorders. Your role will involve creating a supportive and inclusive environment where clients can share their experiences, learn from one another, and develop skills for recovery and wellness.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Facilitate psychoeducational and support groups for individuals with mental health and/or substance use disorders, focusing on topics such as coping skills, relapse prevention, wellness strategies, and recovery-oriented practices.

2. Create a safe and nonjudgmental space for group participants to share their experiences, challenges, and successes in their recovery journey.

3. Utilize your lived experience with mental health and/or substance use challenges to provide empathy, encouragement, and validation to group members.

4. Collaborate with clinical staff to develop group curricula, activities, and materials that align with the needs and goals of clients in treatment.

5. Provide information, resources, and referrals to community-based support services, peer-led recovery groups, and other relevant resources to enhance clients' recovery and wellness.

6. Maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical guidelines when discussing personal experiences and information shared by group participants.

7. Serve as a role model for recovery by demonstrating resilience, hope, and healthy coping strategies in your interactions with clients and colleagues.

8. Participate in regular supervision meetings, staff trainings, and professional development activities to enhance your knowledge and skills as a Peer Support Specialist.

9. Document group attendance, participant engagement, and relevant observations in electronic health records (EHR) or other tracking systems as required.

10. Advocate for the needs and preferences of clients within the outpatient clinic and the broader community, promoting recovery-oriented practices and reducing stigma surrounding mental health and substance use disorders.

Competencies

1. Interpersonal Skills.
2. Initiative.
3. Results Driven.
4. Counseling.
5. Stress Management/Composure.
6. Time Management.
7. Customer/Client Focus.
8. Communication Proficiency.

Work Environment

This position works in an outpatient counseling clinic. There will be frequent interaction with persons who may be homeless, mentally ill, and emotionally upset.

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 this job. The employee must have the ability to lift, pull, push, and manipulate equipment and clients, which requires strength and gross motor and fine motor coordination. The employee must be able to administer prescribed treatments and perform CPR and First Aid. The position requires sitting and/or standing for long periods of time.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a part-time position. Days and hours of work are typically Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Travel

None.

Required Education and Experience

1. High School Diploma, GED or equivalent.

2. Completion of a certified peer support specialist training program or equivalent education and training in peer support principles and practices.

3. Lived experience with mental health and/or substance use challenges and demonstrated commitment to personal recovery.

4. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to establish rapport and build trusting relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

5. Understanding of group dynamics and facilitation techniques, with experience leading or co-facilitating support groups preferred.

6. Knowledge of recovery-oriented principles, trauma-informed care, and evidence-based practices in mental health and substance use treatment.

7. Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team in a fast-paced clinical environment.

8. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems and basic computer skills for documentation and communication purposes.

9. Willingness to adhere to professional and ethical standards of conduct, including maintaining confidentiality and boundaries in all interactions with clients and colleagues.

10. Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed to accommodate group schedules and clinic operations.

11. Commitment to ongoing personal and professional development, including participation in continuing education and peer support supervision activities.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

· AZ Certification as a Peer Support Specialist

· CPR and First Aid

· Valid Arizona Driver’s License.

· Must pass a TB test and TB screening annually.

· 21 years of age or older.

· Fingerprint clearance card.