Peer Support Specialist-Certified

J  o  b    D  e  s  c  r  i  p  t  i  o  n

          Joy                         Care                      Competence                    Respect

Position Summary

A Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) is a professional who utilizes their personal lived experience to provide support to others and demonstrate that recovery is possible.  The CPS assists youth and adults with substance use recovery, behavioral health, and social needs. This position supports the clinical team in creating a trauma-informed, safe, trusting, and healing environment that respects the perspective of the patients they support. This position follows the scope of practice, core competencies and code of ethics (as defined by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services) and is valuable to the success of a substance use treatment program.

High School Diploma or equivalent is required.

Completion of Peer Specialist training through approved agency as determined by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services is required. 

1-2 years of continuous employment and/or post-secondary education is required.

Certificate for Peer Specialist (through Wisconsin Peer Specialists) is required.

Valid state driver's license and must be insurable to operate hospital vehicles is required.

Able to build rapport through strong interpersonal and communication skills

Demonstrates a high commitment to quality

Friendly and service oriented

Maintains a high degree of professionalism

Demonstrates ability to maintain confidential information

Provides support to the patient in recovery experiences.  Informs patients of scope of practice at beginning of treatment.  Seeks clinical guidance with complex situations. Provides patients with community resource identification/linkages, recovery management, life skills, recovery check-ups/coaching, and post-treatment monitoring/support.

Provides outreach/engagement, community education, family education/support, motivational enhancement, recovery group facilitation, and recovery education.

Provide peers with a sense of community and belonging, supportive relationships and valued roles; promotes patients’ goals of wellness, independent living, and self-direction; and works with peers as equals.  Assists with the development of wellness recovery action plans and recovery plans.

Demonstrates an understanding of and adheres to all state and federal regulations. Demonstrates flexibility. Networks and develops excellent relationships with referral agencies.

Begins the discharge planning process on admission. Demonstrates adaptability to respond to various patient situations; establishes a good rapport with the patients. Communicates in a professional manner.

Possess the information, skill, and understanding of the work to be performed.  Actively participates in continuing education opportunities and maintains certifications, licensure as appropriate.

Abides by all safety requirements including demonstrating proper hand hygiene and wearing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), if applicable. 

Complies with all standards, policies and procedures including dress code, attendance and punctuality.  Attends required in-services and meetings and completes all mandatory competencies by deadline. Commits to keeping all patient, student or colleague information confidential and maintains ongoing communication and collaboration with team members. 

The purpose of this job description is to provide a summary of the major responsibilities performed by colleagues in this position. Colleagues may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this job description.  Variances in job duties performed may exist between facilities, and colleagues may perform other related duties as assigned to meet the needs of the organization.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical, Mental and Environmental Requirements Category:

Patient Care Support

Standing

X

Walking

X

Sitting

X

Lifting

X

50 lbs.

Carrying

X

50 lbs.

Pushing

X

50 lbs.

Pulling

X

50 lbs.

Climbing

X

Balancing

X

Stooping

X

Kneeling

X

Crouching

X

Crawling

X

Reaching

X

Use of Hands/Dexterity

X

Talking

X

Hearing

X

Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination

X

Extreme Cold

X

Extreme Heat

X

Humid

X

Wet

X

Noise

X

Hazards

X

Temperature Change

X

Positions in this category may experience a

temperature change in his/her work environment.

Atmospheric Conditions

X

Vibration

X

Other