The Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) provides non-clinical support and guidance to individuals who are struggling with mental health, substance abuse, or related diagnosis. The CPSS will utilize their training to assist those on the journey to recovery. The CPSS will function as a role model to peers by exhibiting competency in personal recovery, use of coping skills, serve as a consumer advocate, and provide consumer information.

Minimum Qualifications

Interacts in a professional and patient-centered manner with patients. Able to work cooperatively with internal staff to deliver safe, effective, quality care to all patients. Able to plan, prioritize and complete assigned tasks with a high level of accuracy. Ability to work well under time constraints while maintaining accurate records.

• Experience: 2 years of CMA experience preferred; experience with mental health and substance use disorder.

• Additional skills required: Knowledge of medical office protocols/procedures. Knowledge of medical terminology. Familiarity with basic computer operations. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook. Good oral and written communication skills.

• Travel required- Ability to travel to all CRCHC locations and assist at all CRCHC special population clinics.

• Additional skills: Bilingual in Spanish preferred. Must be organized and attentive to details. Ability to time manage and prioritize work.

Education: High school diploma or GED

Certification(s)/Licensure: Certified Peer Support Specialist and registered in North Carolina, CPR and BLS required

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Continuous walking, standing and moving about.

• Frequently bends, kneels and crouches.

• Frequently lifts, pushes or otherwise moves and positions patients or other objects, exerting up to 50 lbs.

• Repetitive movement of hands and fingers – typing and/or writing.

• Talk and hear.

• Possible exposure to hazardous fumes, airborne particles, toxic/caustic chemicals, bodily fluids, etc.

Key Responsibilities

1. Fulfill patient care responsibilities as assigned that may include checking schedules and organizing patient flow to ensure patient visits are started in a timely manner; greet and escort patients to clinical area; prepare for the provider-patient encounter by obtaining a comprehensive health history and vital signs; perform required screenings per established guidelines.

2. Maintain accurate documentation in the patient’s electronic health record based on established documentation procedures.

3. Maintain patient confidentiality and protect operations by keeping protected health information confidential and secure.

4. Helping individuals, families, groups, and communities develop their capacity and access to resources, including health insurance, food, housing, quality care and health information.

5. Will provide emotional support to patients, helping them to manage feelings and emotions in a healthy way.

6. Will encourage patients to take ownership of their recovery journey and help them set goals and develop a plan to achieve those goals.

7. Will advocate for clients by helping them navigate the healthcare system and access the resources they need to support their recovery.

8. Will lead or facilitate support groups, where clients can connect with others who are going through similar experiences and receive additional support.

9. Provide education to patients, families, caregivers, and communities about mental health or substance abuse issues, including symptoms, treatments, resources and strategies for managing symptoms and circumstances.

10. Responsible for maintaining accurate records of their interactions with clients and other care team members and may be required to report progress or outcomes to supervisors or other professionals.

11. Accompany patients or arrange for their attendance to meetings, appointments, recovery related supports, services, and resources.

12. Model and foster effective coping, self-help, and empowerment strategies to individuals or groups.

13. Ability to adhere to established organization policies and procedures.

14. All other duties assigned by management.

CRCHC Core Requirements

CRCHC provides comprehensive, high-quality primary health care to our patients regardless of ability to pay. As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), we provide health care to all members of our community, including low income, indigent, and uninsured patients who may not otherwise be able to afford health care via traditional sources. We screen potential employees to first ensure alignment with our core requirements followed by the requisite position skills set. In doing so we need staff committed to this mission who do their best to live and work the characteristics of our core values as we strive to care for ever increasing members of the communities we serve.