Peer Counselor

ob Details
Description
JOB SUMMARY:

Under the general supervision of the Team Leader/Program Supervisor or designee, Peer Specialists serve as role models, educate recipients about self-help techniques and self-help group processes, teach effective coping strategies based on personal experience, teach symptom management skills, assist in clarifying rehabilitation and recovery goals and assist in the development of community support systems and networks. The Peer Specialist assists assigned individuals in developing and maintaining viable living, working and social situations in the community by obtaining needed medical, social, psychosocial, educational, financial, vocational and other services. Participates in the provision of crisis intervention services to participants. Travels to/visits recipients' residences or apartments to provide counsel and assistance and to help the recipients, within their capabilities and interests, in maintaining the greatest degree of independent living. The majority of duties are often performed independently under general supervision. The Peer Specialist assists service recipients through supportive counseling to participate as fully as possible in the life of the community with the intent of achieving individual goals that foster personal growth and the highest level of independence possible and desired.

ob Details
Description
JOB SUMMARY:

Under the general supervision of the Team Leader/Program Supervisor or designee, Peer Specialists serve as role models, educate recipients about self-help techniques and self-help group processes, teach effective coping strategies based on personal experience, teach symptom management skills, assist in clarifying rehabilitation and recovery goals and assist in the development of community support systems and networks. The Peer Specialist assists assigned individuals in developing and maintaining viable living, working and social situations in the community by obtaining needed medical, social, psychosocial, educational, financial, vocational and other services. Participates in the provision of crisis intervention services to participants. Travels to/visits recipients' residences or apartments to provide counsel and assistance and to help the recipients, within their capabilities and interests, in maintaining the greatest degree of independent living. The majority of duties are often performed independently under general supervision. The Peer Specialist assists service recipients through supportive counseling to participate as fully as possible in the life of the community with the intent of achieving individual goals that foster personal growth and the highest level of independence possible and desired.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Committed to the active promotion of ICL values and goals.
Ability to work with recipients/residents, families, and staff in a caring and respectful manner, and with due understanding of and consideration for cultural differences.
Ability to serve as a role model to residents/recipients.
Ability to complete written forms and reports in an accurate and timely manner.
Ability to communicate effectively with staff, recipients/residents, families, and the public.
Ability to prepare accurate and timely documentation, reports and other written material as assigned.
Ability to secure the cooperation of and work effectively with others.
Ability to work independently, and to conform to all applicable safety and accountability measures
Knowledge of how disabilities can adversely affect functioning and ways to cope with or overcome such effects
Ability to read and write at least at a 12th grade level and to follow written and oral instructions.
Ability to accompany or transport residents (some assignments may require possession of a valid driver's license).
Ability to be empathetic and supportive to residents instructing, demonstrating, modeling, and encouraging appropriate behavior and skills.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

Completion of an internship or comparable training in peer advocacy; experience in providing advocacy services to people who are mentally ill and/or homeless. Past or current recipient of mental health, substance services or homeless services preferred.