Certified Peer Specialist

Description

Valley Healthcare System, Inc. (formerly Community Health Center of South Columbus) has been proudly serving the Chattahoochee Valley and surrounding regions since 1994. From our beginnings in the Baker Village community, we've expanded to offer comprehensive medical, dental, vision, behavioral health, outreach, and pharmacy services. As a patient-centered and team-based healthcare provider, we recognize that our people are the foundation of our success.

Position Summary

We are seeking a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) to join our dedicated team in delivering high-quality, compassionate care. The CPS work from the perspective of their lived experience to help build environments conducive to recovery. They promote hope, personal responsibility, empowerment, education, and self-determination in the communities where they serve. CPSs are trained to assist others in skill-building, problem-solving, setting up and maintaining self-help mutual support groups, and building self-directed recovery tools. A critical role of the CPS is supporting others in developing their recovery goals, and specific steps to reach those goals.

Duties & Responsibilities

Recovery Goal Setting and Documentation

• Use the 10-step goal-setting process to support individuals in identifying and articulating personal recovery goals.
• Document progress in the Individual Recovery/Resiliency Plan (IR/RP), including strengths, goals, objectives, barriers, and interventions.

Peer-Led Support and Training

• Lead and facilitate Recovery Dialogues and support groups.
• Assist individuals in developing their own Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP).
• Teach problem-solving skills, overcome negative self-talk, and manage anxiety.

Recovery Role Modeling and Community Integration

• Model effective coping strategies and self-help techniques.
• Assist with housing support and job-readiness skills to enhance community reintegration.
• Promote use of self-directed recovery tools in treatment planning.

Continued Education and Professional Development

• Stay current with mental health trends and best practices.
• Attend continuing education sessions and share recovery-oriented materials with other CPSs.

Advocacy and Empowerment

• Advocate for effective, recovery-based services tailored to individual needs.
• Educate individuals on community resources and support systems.
• Foster empowerment through self-advocacy and reduction of stigma using Human Experience Language.

Recovery Competency Application

• Understand the structure of the mental health system and principles of recovery.
• Facilitate activities that support recovery goals.
• Support consumers in creating person-centered and self-advocacy plans.

Establishing Healing Relationships

• Demonstrate cultural competency and the ability to navigate conflict and power dynamics in the workplace.
• Engage in “healing communication” and foster inclusive, supportive environments.

Self-Care and Wellness

• Understand burnout prevention and use personal WRAP tools.
• Model healthy coping strategies and work-life balance.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Certified Peer Specialist training and certification as required by the Department of Mental Health.
• Supervision by a qualified mental health professional as per applicable regulations.

Compliance & Confidentiality

• Adherence to Valley Healthcare System policies and procedures.
• Must comply with all Federal, State, and Local healthcare regulations, including HIPAA Privacy and Security rules.
• Required to sign and abide by the Pledge of Confidentiality regarding all patient health information (PHI), including after the end of employment.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Must be able to stand, walk, reach, bend, and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Full range of motion required to assist patients
• Exposure to communicable diseases, medical solutions, and clinical equipment
• Must be able to work under pressure and irregular hours as needed

Benefits

• 100% Employer-Paid Medical Coverage and Long-term Disability Coverage
• No-cost Dental and Vision Services at our Clinics – Additional Dental, Vision, and Short-term Disability Coverage is available for purchase at a reduce cost.
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Competitive salary
• CME and expense reimbursement
• Generous paid time off and holidays

Valley Healthcare System, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.