Peer Support Engagement Specialist

Policy #106

TITLE:   Peer Support Engagement Specialist

REPORTS TO: Extended Respite Care Manager/Peer Coordinator

The Bridge Behavioral Health shall not discriminate in hiring of qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, protected age, disability, veteran status, marital status or pregnancy.  The Bridge Behavioral Health is a 68 bed substance abuse treatment center licensed by the State of Nebraska.  The Bridge is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in 1983. This position is for a full-time employee who provides direct services to the clients of The Bridge.

RESPONSIBILITIES: This position will provide Peer Support to assist clients who transition between The Bridge programs, who are on a waiting list for The Bridge programs, and who are enrolled in programs at The Bridge; assist clients in working toward goals; assist clients with community resources; and provide support for clients by sharing their own personal story.

DUTIES:

1. Initiates and maintains a Peer Support relationship with clients.
2. Establishes rapport with peers and clients while maintaining professional boundaries.
3. Provide reassurance, guidance, and empathy for clients as they enter and transition through programs.
4. Facilitates groups and assists in the provision of educational, recreational rehabilitative experiences for the clients.
5. Follow up with clients who have discharged from programs.
6. Works independently and exercises good judgment in emergency situations.
7. Immediately informs the Team Leader or nurse on duty of any medical or mental health problems with clients.
8. Informs clients of their rights and responsibilities.
9. Assists with transportation when necessary.
10. Provides program and facility orientation to new clients.
11. Communicates effectively both orally and in writing
12. Completes all necessary paperwork according to facility and program guidelines.
13. Maintains accurate client records in both narrative and statistical form.
14. Works with and is able to relate to persons of multiple ethnic, racial, cultural and varied economic backgrounds.

EXPERIENCE:

1. Direct personal lived experience of using mental health and/or substance abuse services, with
   1. A positive experience of recovery, AND
   2. An ability and willingness to disclose personal experience of recovery in order to support others positively.

TRAINING/EDUCATION:

1. Two years of experience/training in a human services field, or two years of lived recovery experience with demonstrated skills and competencies in treatment with individual with a behavioral health diagnoses
2. Nebraska Peer Support Certification (can be obtained within 6 months of hire);
3. Minimum of 2 years of successful recovery in substance use, mental health, or co-occurring
4. High School Diploma or GED