Peer Support Specialist

Intentional Peer Support Specialist/ Peer Support Center
As an Intentional Peer Support Specialist, your primary role is to provide compassionate and empathetic support to individuals facing mental health and/or significant life challenges. You will serve as a trusted ally, using your personal experiences and recovery journey to foster hope, connection, and empowerment for peers within the shared community at commonspace's (formerly Amistad) Portland Community Support Center.

Responsibilities:
1. Establish trusting relationships: Build rapport with individuals seeking support, offering a safe space for open and honest conversations.
2. Provide Peer Support: Offer emotional support, active listening, and encouragement to facilitate recovery and personal growth.
3. Foster empowerment: Assist individuals in recognizing their strengths, promoting self-advocacy, and supporting them in making informed decisions about their well-being.
4. Facilitate group sessions: Organize and lead Peer Support groups, encouraging participation and facilitating discussions on various topics related to mental health, recovery, and wellness.
5. Share personal experiences: Draw upon your own recovery journey to provide relatable examples and insights, helping individuals feel understood and less alone in their struggles.
6. Promote self-care techniques: Educate individuals on coping strategies, self-care practices, and resources available to support their mental health.
7. Maintain documentation: Accurately record and maintain information, relevant data to CIPS certification process and center data.
8.. Stay updated: Continuously enhance your knowledge of mental health resources, recovery models, and Peer Support techniques through professional development opportunities.

Qualifications:
1. Lived experience: Personal experience with mental health challenges and recovery is essential for this role.
2. Empathy and compassion: Ability to empathize with others, demonstrate genuine care, and provide non-judgmental support.
3. Active listening skills: Strong ability to listen attentively, ask thoughtful questions, and provide validation to individuals seeking support.
4. Excellent communication: Effective verbal and written communication skills to articulate ideas, facilitate discussions, and document peer interactions.
5. Cultural sensitivity: Respect and appreciation for diversity, including an understanding of how cultural factors impact mental health experiences.
6. Boundaries and ethics: Awareness of personal and professional boundaries, maintaining confidentiality, and adhering to ethical guidelines.
7. Self-awareness and self-care: Understanding of personal triggers and strategies for self-care to ensure your own well-being while supporting others.
8. Flexibility and adaptability: Ability to navigate unpredictable situations, adapt to changing needs, and think creatively to provide individualized support.