Job Summary:

The Senior Peer Support Specialist provides recovery-oriented support to through delivery of individual and group peer support, in a creative setting.  In addition, the Senior Peer Support Specialist assists the Program Director with mentoring new and existing staff and in carrying out day-to-day operations of the department. 

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities: (Additional duties may be assigned)  

• Peer Support Services
• Engages individuals in a personal, supportive manner, creating relationships that emphasize wellness, recovery, self-determination and personal strengths. 
• Provide one-on-one and group peer support in a creative, welcoming and recovery-oriented setting. 
• Facilitate creative workshops and classes that promote mental wellness through creative arts, mindfulness, meditations and other wellness-focused activities. 
• Addresses mental health concerns and behaviors by providing department services in a supportive, trauma-informed, and recovery oriented manner. 
• Empowers participants to be self-advocates in their own lives. 
• Collaborates with community resources and makes referrals as necessary. 
• Maintains appropriate, accurate and confidential documentation in a timely manner consistent with department requirements and HIPAA regulations. 
• Mentorship of Department Peer Support Specialists
• Serves as a point person to staff to successfully fulfill their responsibilities as a Peer Support Specialist within the department. 
• Supports an organizational culture of being culturally sensitive and trauma informed. 
• Ensures organizational policies and procedures are adhered to consistent with federal, state and local laws and regulations. 
• May assist with supervision in the absence of the Director. 
• Day to Day Operations
• Assists Program Director to ensure that services are adequately staffed, department deadlines are met, meetings are scheduled, and departmental efficiencies and operational improvements are made. 
• Plans and organizes events, staff training and department engagement activities. 
• Coordinates and supports a variety of creative wellness workshops, classes and mutual support opportunities based on participant interests and program needs. 
• Carries out identified tasks consistent with fulfilling department goals and outcomes.
• Other
• Schedules meetings and appointments (both in person and virtually) as needed. Ensures all attendees have communication regarding meeting location, etc. 
• Documents and distributes accurate notes from meetings in a timely manner. 
• Attends meetings as assigned. 

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None 

Education and Experience:

• Associate degree in a Human Service-related field or experience equivalent. 
• Minimum of two years’ experience providing peer/youth/family support services. 
• Demonstrated experience in a diverse range of creative arts. 
• Experience facilitating groups, classes and workshops. 
• Experience and knowledge of the public mental health system. 
• Must have obtained either a provisional peer certification (and obtain permanent certification within one year of hire) or have peer certification as required by the department for which they will work (adult/youth/family). Certification must be maintained throughout employment. 

Equipment, Machines and Software Used:

• Ability to operate various office equipment including computer, printer, telephone, copier, scanner, and calculator.
• Computer Software: Microsoft Office to include Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel. Experience with Paylocity payroll system preferred. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent communication skills including verbal and written communication. 
• Skill in planning and scheduling to establish deadlines and ensure the timely completion of several independent tasks and short-term projects. 
• Strong organizational skills including the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to analyze and solve complex problems. 
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality. 
• Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports. 
• Ability to respond to questions from staff and program participants.
• Individuals must demonstrate sensitivity, respect, and competency with diverse cultural backgrounds, social identities and practices of community members and be willing to participate in anti-racism focused diversity training to increase skills in this area.

Work Hours:

• The standard work week is 35 hours. Monday - Friday between 9 am and 5 pm. Flexibility may be required on occasion. 
• This work cannot be performed from home or in hybrid format.