Adult Peer Support Specialist Phoenix Center - (3rd Shift)

Job Summary:

The Adult Peer Support Specialist provides recovery-oriented peer support services to adults receiving care at the Phoenix Center. Drawing upon lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery, this role offers empathy, encouragement, and hope to individuals during a period of crisis. The Peer Support Specialist supports engagement, emotional regulation, skill-building, and transition planning while working collaboratively with the multidisciplinary treatment team.

Essential Functions:

Provide peer support services to adults residing in the Phoenix Center, offering encouragement, validation, and recovery-oriented support during crisis stabilization. Use lived experience to establish rapport, promote hope, and model recovery principles, self-advocacy, and resilience. Support individuals in identifying personal strengths, coping skills, wellness strategies, and recovery goals. Assist individuals in developing and reinforcing crisis safety plans, wellness plans, and discharge goals in collaboration with clinical staff. Support emotional regulation and de-escalation by modeling calm behavior and encouraging use of grounding, coping, and self-soothing techniques. Facilitate or co-facilitate peer-led groups, activities, or skill-building sessions as assigned. Provide education and support related to recovery, community resources, and self-determination. Collaborate with multidisciplinary team members, including clinicians, nurses, case managers, and support staff, while maintaining the distinct peer role. Observe and report relevant behavioral or safety concerns to clinical staff in a timely and appropriate manner. Maintain appropriate peer boundaries and adhere to ethical standards, confidentiality requirements, and peer support principles. Complete required documentation accurately and timely in accordance with RiverValley Behavioral Health policies and regulatory requirements. Participate in shift coverage, staff meetings, supervision, training, and professional development activities as required. Complete after-care contact to check in on client progress and provide reminders of upcoming appointments. Ensure that all client information is kept confidential and secure in accordance with federal, state, and program-specific confidentiality guidelines, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Remain in compliance of Kentucky regulation 908 KAR 2:220 for Adult Peer Support regarding training, continuing education, and supervision. Perform other duties as assigned, as necessary to support program operations and resident care.

Education and Experience:

High School Diploma or GED required Past or present consumer of behavioral health (mental health or substance use) treatment with a history of sufficient progression toward recovery. Experience working directly with individuals in a service-oriented field is preferred but not required. Valid KY driver's license Current CPR/First Aid certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of beginning employment. Peer Specialist Certification strongly preferred or ability/willingness to obtain certification within 6 months of employment.

Knowledge and Skills:

Strong communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to establish supportive trusting relationships with persons with behavioral health diagnoses. Ability to work under pressure, to listen to client's concerns and recommend and/or take appropriate action. Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Ability to maintain professional boundaries while sharing lived experience. Empathy, compassion, and understanding of the challenges faced by individuals in recovery. Ability to work in a setting that may involve managing potentially challenging situations with clients. Computer literate, including basic Microsoft applications