Certified Peer Specialist - Addictive Disease / CARES

Claratel Behavioral Health is an innovative, community-based organization in metropolitan Atlanta offering comprehensive mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse services to over 11,000 uninsured and underinsured citizens annually. Operating over 20 locations in DeKalb County with a diverse workforce of 500+ staff, our dedicated team provides high-quality, evidence-based care to help clients and their families recover and thrive. Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), we strive to ensure disabilities no longer limit potential. Read more about our recent CARF accreditation here.

At Claratel, we are dedicated to providing care that is client-centered, recovery-focused, and trauma-informed, ensuring a holistic and empathetic approach to each individual's unique journey

JOB SUMMARY:

The Certified Peer Specialist – AD (or CARES) is an integral part of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Program at the Clifton Springs Mental Health Center. Under general supervision, the CPS provides recovery support to persons with primary substance use disorders. Building on the strengths and resilience of the individual, the CPS serves as a consumer advocate; utilizes lived experience to provide skills development and support in the areas of self-advocacy, maintenance of community living, self-directed recovery, and relapse prevention planning.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Is a member of and participates in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings to assist the person served in advocating for their treatment needs based on strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences and with natural supports and other providers, as appropriate.
• Provides individual and/or group skill-building and support interventions to assist persons served to develop the skills, tools, and resources to advocate for themselves, direct their care, manage their symptoms, and live, work, and engage in the community of their choice.
• Provides timely, high-quality documentation for all service contacts including individual and group.
• Meets regularly with Clinic Director as a means of enhancing professional growth, reviewing and evaluating the provision of peer support services, and attend to required administrative issues.
• Is responsible for making outreach to all clients assigned to caseload a minimum of twice per month.
• Maintains ethical standards and immediately communicates issues of safety and/or client health changes to Clinic Director.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Certification by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network as a CPS-AD OR certification through the Georgia Council on Substance Abuse as a Certified Addiction Recovery Empowerment Specialist (CARES)
• One year of experience working in a behavioral health setting
• A Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services or related field, a plus
• Possesses basic computer skills and ability to utilize electronic health records
• Competency in teaching recovery and life skills, understanding how to engage individuals in treatment & development of self-advocacy, care coordination skills

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Must be able to drive, climb stairs, and walk at least 1 block
• Services will be provided in office and office-based telehealth
• Hours of availability are 8:15am – 5pm and can vary based on need of clients to include evenings and weekends

NEEDED ATTRIBUTES:

• Must be able to multi-task and have strong work ethic
• Ability to take responsibility and direction regarding the process of services
• Must be self-directed and able to work independently
• Must be able to work with diverse populations and cultures
• Must have knowledge of addictive disease and recovery

• Must have ability to work from a recovery-focused, person-centered, trauma-informed care model