Peer Support Specialist

About Company:

At Camino Real Community Services, we know that life can sometimes feel heavier than we ever expected. We have built a team of talented, caring, experienced care providers who provide a place of comfort. We are dedicated to walking beside those who may be experiencing moment of worry, sadness, or uncertainty. We are a caring and knowledgeable team dedicated to walking beside individuals and families when they may be experiencing some of life's hardest seasons, including natural disasters or acts of violence. 

If our mission speaks to you and you have an open and caring heart, the ability to truly listen and support, and you are called to help others find healing, we are growing our team! Join an organization that has been committed to serving our communities for over 55 years!

About the Role:

The Peer Support Specialist plays a vital role in providing empathetic, lived-experience-based support to individuals navigating mental health and substance use challenges. This position focuses on fostering hope, empowerment, and recovery by building trusting relationships and offering guidance grounded in personal experience and professional training. The specialist collaborates with clinical teams to enhance treatment plans and facilitate access to community resources, ensuring holistic care. Through group facilitation and one-on-one interactions, the Peer Support Specialist helps clients develop coping strategies and resilience. Ultimately, this role aims to improve clients' overall well-being and support sustained recovery within a compassionate and supportive environment.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Certification as a Peer Support Specialist or equivalent credential recognized within the United States.
• Demonstrated lived experience with mental health or substance use recovery.
• Proficiency in motivational interviewing and group facilitation techniques.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport and trust.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards in behavioral health settings.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working within human services or behavioral health organizations.
• Training or certification in mental health counseling or psychotherapy.
• Familiarity with evidence-based practices for substance use disorder treatment.
• Experience facilitating group therapy sessions in clinical or community settings.
• Knowledge of local and national mental health and substance use resources.

Responsibilities:

• Provide peer-to-peer support to individuals experiencing mental health and substance use disorders, drawing on personal recovery experience.
• Facilitate group therapy sessions and support groups to encourage shared learning and mutual support among participants.
• Utilize motivational interviewing techniques to engage clients and promote positive behavioral changes.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including therapists, counselors, and case managers to coordinate care and advocate for client needs.
• Assist clients in accessing community resources, treatment programs, and social services to support their recovery journey.
• Document client interactions and progress accurately in compliance with organizational and regulatory standards.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development to stay current with best practices in behavioral health and peer support.

Skills:

The Peer Support Specialist applies motivational interviewing daily to effectively engage clients and encourage their commitment to recovery goals. Mental health and behavioral health knowledge underpin the specialist’s ability to recognize client needs and provide appropriate support and referrals. Skills in group facilitation and group therapy enable the specialist to lead supportive peer groups that foster community and shared healing. Proficiency in mental health counseling techniques enhances one-on-one interactions, allowing for personalized guidance and emotional support. Additionally, understanding substance use disorders and human services systems ensures the specialist can navigate resources and advocate effectively for clients’ comprehensive care.