The Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) provides peer support services, serves as a consumer advocate, provides consumers with written and experiential information and resources to promote recovery. The CPS will perform a wide range of tasks which will assist consumers in regaining control over their own lives and over their recovery process.
They will work within a multi-disciplinary treatment team to identify, support, assess and address consumer’s barriers to achieving goals and objectives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

- Assess the needs of clients using a holistic approach to include physical/medical, vocational, educational, spiritual, social, recreational, financial, community integration, and meaningful activity needs and supports.

- Provide peer interventions to consumers regarding, but not limited to, symptoms of physical or psychiatric illness, coping skills, medications/side effects, employment supports and relapse prevention.

- Assist in the development of client-centered Treatment Plans that address identified problems, needs and barriers. Determine support plans based on consumer objectives and implement as prescribed.

- Work within a multi-disciplinary team to coordinate and/or to deliver services as prescribed, to communicate consumer progress, advocate for consumers and to actively participate in the day to day operations and functioning of the team.

- Facilitate the development of an individualized network of personal, agency and community-based supports, services and resources that will promote and sustain the on-going rehabilitation and recovery of Center consumers and will maximize their community integration and independence. The CPS may accompany consumers to assist them in acquiring these resources.

- Meets agency standards for the timely and accurate completion and submission of paperwork associated with the maintenance of client charts

- Treat consumers with respect; promote their dignity, accept their values and lifestyles and maintain their confidentiality in accordance with agency policy and legal requirements.

- Assist consumers in how to effectively communicate with their providers and give personal insight into how they have been successful in negotiating the community service systems.

-Assist in providing transportation when appropriate for tasks related to client’s treatment plan.

- Be a role model to consumers by exhibiting competency in personal recovery and use of coping skills.

- Lead or Co-lead consumer focussed groups in the areas of personal care, resources/benefits, social skills building and self directed advocacy and recovery.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Meet program/position requirements for scheduling and billing.

- Complete required assessment forms.

- Complete progress notes with appropriate format.

- Develop and implement a plan of care with ongoing consumer input.

- Assist in the completion of a clear, specific, behaviorally oriented treatment plan as required with consumer signature.

- Complete required reports and evaluations.

- Follow required office procedures in a cooperative manner.

- Attend trainings, case presentations and conferences.

- Provide feedback to staff on the content of educational programs attended.

- Attend mandatory in-service trainings and other trainings required.

- Participate in the education of consumers and other agency staff.

- Maintain cooperative relationships with agency staff, consumers, community agencies and the public.

- Communicate with various local agencies and other departments or teams at The Center.

- Work in cooperation with co-workers and supervisory staff.

- Deal with team members regarding problems in a constructive manner.

- Accept and use direction and supervision both individual and group forums.

- Benefit from constructive criticism.
- If necessary transport consumers in own vehicle or Center van to planned activities and appointments.
- Drive carefully and abide by traffic rules.
- Ensure that seat belts are worn by all traveling in Center owned or employee owned vehicles.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
A person with life experience which can be shared with other consumers. Someone who views consumer needs with a high priority and who would be a strong advocate for them with other treatment providers. Knowledge and experience in accessing community resources (such as; housing, medical, financial…). Someone who espouses a strong desire to help others.

Experience in Behavioral and/or medical health preferred. Computer experience preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Peer Specialist Certification.

Use of personal vehicle required in this position. Must have valid driver's license and insured auto.

Schedule: 40/80 Full time Days / Monday-Friday

Care New England Health System (CNE) and its member institutions: Butler Hospital, Women & Infants Hospital, Kent Hospital, VNA of Care New England, Integra, The Providence Center, and Care New England Medical Group, and our Wellness Center are trusted organizations fueling the latest advances in medical research, attracting the nation’s top specialty-trained doctors, and honing renowned services and innovative programs to engage in the important discussions people need to have about their health.

EEOC Statement: Care New England is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status

Ethics Statement: Employee conducts himself/herself consistent with the ethical standards of the organization including, but not limited to hospital policy, mission, vision, and values.

Americans with Disability Act Statement: External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled must be able to perform the essential job specific functions either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation, to be determined by the organization on a case-by-case basis.