Peer Support Specialist, ACT Team

Greater Nashua Mental Health is looking for Peer Support Specialist to join our Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team! The Peer Support Specialist develops meaningful and trusting relationships with clients, acts as a mentor, and gives consumers the support they need to better advocate for themselves, based on their personal experiences. Provides clients an example of what they can strive for in their recovery. Informs and advocates to the team on behalf of the client the struggles of mental illness, and to the client on behalf of the team the nature of treatment planning, wellness, and support.

Duties & Responsibilities: 

• Works within a multidisciplinary team in an effort to build a community of both clients and staff that are supportive and conducive to patient growth and recovery.
• Provides 1:1 direct client services for at least 50% of time, an average of 20 hours per week. There may be adjustments made for approved additional duties.
• Develops, maintains, and co-facilitates Peer Support Recovery Groups or, at times, as a co-facilitator or other support to other groups run by the primary clinical team.
• Assists in the creation and implementation of crisis planning, development of natural supports, community engagement, and other activities which support the client’s community integration.
• Networks with local community resources and programs in an effort to connect clients to social and recovery-oriented activities.
• Where appropriate, provides advocacy and feedback on behalf of the client community programs, landlords, local law enforcement, hospitals, etc. on the struggle of mental illness in an effort resolve issues equitably.
• Where appropriate, provides advocacy and feedback on behalf of the client to the primary treatment team to help inform decision making and to ensure clinical outcomes are person centered.
• Utilizes specific interventions designed to support and meet recovery goals such as IPS, WRAP, and WHAM.
• Maintains documentation that is required in a complete and timely manner, and in compliance with all HIPAA requirements.
• Performs other duties or special projects as required or as assigned.  

Qualifications: 

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required
• 1 to 2 years related experience
• Ability to work with diverse populations
• Knowledge of substance abuse services
• Ability to build trust and form impactful relationships
• Knowledge of and ability to use Microsoft Office products (Word, Outlook, Excel, etc.)
• Strong collaborating skills, and an ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
• Comfortable in a fast-paced environment with frequent deadlines; high energy, self-motivated and proactive
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to multitask, and be flexible with regard to workload and assignments
• Ability to exercise judgment
• Ability to complete paperwork and documentation timely
• Knowledge of Peer Support Model and tools for recovery
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and automobile with liability insurance in the amount required by agency policy