This position is supervised by a Mental Health Professional who assures that all services rendered by a Peer Support Specialist are provided in accordance with the certification training standards established by the SCDMH and with accepted standards of clinical practice. A PSS program is a structured and scheduled therapeutic activity with an individual client or group provided by a trained, self-identified consumer of mental health services. A Peer Support Specialist guides clients toward the identification and achievement of specific goals defined by the client and specified in the Individual Treatment Plan. Peer Support Services promote community socialization, recovery, self-advocacy, and development of natural supports.

• Peer Support Specialist will serve as an active member of the client's treatment team. They will advocate for services requested by the client. They will cultivate the client's ability to make informed, independent choices, to set goals, and assist the client in gaining information and support from the community. Transportation by peer support will be utilized in helping the client gain information and support from the community. A Peer Support Specialist will plan activities with the client that lead to improved self-concepts through empowerment and self-determination opportunities. Peer Support Specialist will teach and role model the importance of medication monitoring, clear communication with doctors and other caregivers, developing a WRAP plan, Psychiatric Advance Directive, and/or crisis plan to facilitate or avoid/shorten hospitalization. They will assist the client with learning how to maintain stable housing and employment. Peer Support Specialist will provide support and encouragement to both the client and their family members, when it is the choice of the client to do so. Increased collaborations with community partners. Peer Support Specialist will increase membership of the Patient Advisory Board and sponsor many awareness/advocacy events. Coordinate and sponsor a minimum of nine (9) events to promote mental health awareness and advocacy. As needed, transportation by peer support staff, will be utilized to effectively assist clients in reaching these goals.
• Peer Support Specialist will offer clients hope of recovery from mental illness by sharing their own recovery stories and by teaching clients how to tell their own recovery stories effectively. They will use their unique recovery experience to model the value of every individual's recovery experience and to teach effective coping techniques and self-help strategies.
• With assistance from a supervising MHP, the Peer Support Specialist will document the following on the client's treatment plan:
  • Identified, person-centered strengths, needs, abilities, and recovery goals.
  • Intervention to assist the consumer with reaching their goals for recovery.
  • Progress made towards goals.
• Will maintain a working knowledge of current trends and developments in the areas of mental health through relevant materials and through continuing education when offered by the Office of Human Affairs and SCDMH.
• Will provide other duties as assigned.

The South Carolina Department of Mental Health offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave accrual per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs