Peer Support Specialist

Department Behavioral Health Assessment

Job Summary Supports clients and families with accessing available wellness, recovery, and other care opportunities in the community. Facilitate group sessions teaching clients various topics related to recovery, wellness, self-esteem, healthy relationships, and overcoming fears. Assist peers in articulating their personal goals for recovery, learning and developing empowering skills, and modeling effective coping techniques.

Required Qualifications

• Require a primary diagnosis of a mental illness and/or substance use disorder and/or experience gained through a family members mental health/substance use.
• Require a minimum of two years of sustained/stable recovery.
• Require current experience as a peer.
• Require active Peer Support Specialist certification or must obtain within six (6) months of hire date.
• Require successful completion of Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training within sixty (60) days of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefer demonstrated knowledge of recovery resources such as 12-step programs and community support groups.
• Prefer excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Prefer motivated individual with the ability to inspire hope and positive change in peers.
• Prefer demonstrated ability to provide excellent and compassionate customer service.
• Prefer willingness to identify as a person in recovery from mental illness and/or an addiction.

Mandatory Education HS EQ: High School Diploma, GED or Certificate

Employment Screening Requirements As part of Sarasota Memorial Health Care System’s commitment to keeping people safe, all individuals providing care to vulnerable populations are required to undergo background screening through The Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse. https://info.flclearinghouse.com/