POSITION TITLE: Peer Specialist

EFFECTIVE DATE: 2025

PROGRAM: FACT

REPORTS TO: FACT Program Manager

FACILITY: Gilmore Annex

CITY: Lakeland

JOB STATUS: Full-Time

FLSA: Non Exempt

Job Summary:

A Peer Specialist provides peer mentoring and support for individuals with psychiatric disabilities and receiving mental health services. They assist individuals in navigating the mental health services system and in achieving resiliency and recovery as defined by the person.

General Expectations:

In the performance of their respective task and duties, all employees are expected to conform to the following:

1. Fully understand and consistently exhibit all of Peace River Center's Core Values, while fostering the same with all direct reports.
2. Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
3. Interact professionally with other employees, customer and vendors.
4. Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
5. Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.

Essential Duties/Requirements/Activities:

• Comply with all Center policies and procedures except those for which the employee gives notice of the need for reasonable accommodation and for which the Center can make such reasonable accommodation.
• Assist non-consumer staff in identifying program environments that are conducive to recovery; lend unique insight into mental illness and what makes recovery possible.
• Attends all scheduled work hours, meeting, training, and other center functions as scheduled.
• Complete all daily progress notes, SALs, and assessments in a timely manner as mandated in the FACT Team policies and procedures.
• Participate in the completion of a comprehensive assessment of all FACT participants admitted to the program.
• Document persons progress to maintain a permanent record of person's activity according to established methods and procedures.
• Participate in daily staff organizational meetings and treatment planning review meetings.
• Provide transportation to participant's for scheduled medical, dental, or other appointments as needed and determined to be in the best therapeutic interest of the participant as assigned.
• Assist and support FACT participants to carry out personal hygiene and grooming tasks.
• Help FACT participants to access reliable transportation (e.g., arrange for cabs, access bus line, apply for Handibus, etc.).
• Provide practical help and supports, advocacy, coordination, side-by-side individualized support, problem solving, direct assistance, training, and supervision to help FACT participants obtain the necessities of daily living including medical and dental health care; legal and advocacy services; financial support; money-management services; transportation; social-skill development; and assertiveness training to increase their social and interpersonal activities in community settings.
• Deliver medications to FACT participants and observe participants self-administer those medications, documenting observations, time, and any medications left for the participant to take independently at a later time.
• Assist consumers in articulating personal goals for recovery.
• Assist FACT participants in creating a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP).
• Utilize and teach problem solving techniques with individuals and groups.
• Teach FACT participants how to identify and combat negative self-talk and overcome fears.
• Model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies.
• Inform FACT participants about community and natural supports and how to utilize these in the recovery process.
• Assist FACT participants in developing empowerment skill through self-advocacy and stigma-busting

Qualifications:

Education:

High School Diploma or GED

Experience:

Has received or is currently receiving mental health service for symptoms of mental illness

Certifications:

Must have received certification from the State of Florida as a Certified Peer Specialist or be willing to obtain that state certification

Training:

Complete all PRC required trainings

Knowledge and Skills:

Strong commitment to the right and ability of each person with a severe and persistent mental illness to live in normal community residences; work in market jobs; and have access to helpful, adequate, competent, and continuous supports and services.

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Skills and competence to establish supportive trusting relationships with persons with severe and persistent mental illnesses and respect for person's rights and personal preferences in treatment.

Good written and verbal communication skills.

Safety Equipment

Universal Precautions

Comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules and regulations

Life Safety Equipment (fire extinguisher)

Transportation:

Must have reliable transportation

Must carry and maintain $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury coverage on personal vehicle, provide proof of coverage, and with a minimum age of 21

Must have a valid Florida driver's license

Must submit to a Florida criminal/offender background check

Must meet Peace River Center's DOT driving requirements with a minimum age of 25 and clean driving record to drive our vehicle

Company cars are provided and will be used as available. At times, a company car may not be available at the time you may need to go into the community to provide services. During those times, you must use your personal vehicle and will be awarded travel reimbursement according to Peace River Center policies. However, FACT participants are never to be transported in personal vehicles.The company vehicles will be reserved for participant transportation.

Physical Requirements:

Machines, Tool and Equipment Used:

Computer, telephone, fax, copier

Supervisory Relationship(s)

None

Work Environment:

The work environment is fast-paced and consists of exposure to physical conditions typical of a normal office environment. The populations cared for will include patients who are confused, delusional, irrational, agitated, or uncooperative. Most of the job is performed while sitting, although the work may require occasional standing or walking and/or the lifting and carrying of small objects. A small amount of travel may be required for meetings etc. to another PRC location.

EEO Statement

One of the greatest assets of the PRC is the ethnic, cultural, and social diversity of its employees. PRC takes great pride in the diversity and values and respect of all its employees, regardless of race, color, sex, marital status religion, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, age, disability, gender identification, or sexual orientation.