Certified Peer Support Specialist/Day Treatment Assistant

Job Summary

 Certified Peer Specialists play a crucial role in supporting individuals with mental health challenges by using their personal experience to provide empathy and understanding. They guide, support, and motivate others who are undergoing similar mental health struggles.

A Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) is a family member and/ or individual who has self-identified as having received or is presently receiving behavioral health services. Additionally, a CPSS has successfully completed formal training recognized by the Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH) and is employed by a DMH Certified Provider. These individuals use their lived experience in combination with skills training to support peers and/or family members with similar experiences. CPSSs support their peers both individually and in groups. Under general supervision, a CPSS performs a wide range of tasks to help individuals to regain control of their lives and their own recovery and resiliency journey. CPSSs provide varying supports, some of which might be offered by others in the behavioral health system, but CPSSs contribute something unique. They are living proof that recovery is possible. CPSSs share lived experiences and are willing to share their stories to help others

Responsibilities and Duties

1. Using personal experience with mental health recovery to provide support and guidance to clients.
2. Facilitating and co-facilitating support groups and educational sessions.

• Assist the Day Treatment Specialist with daily group services provided to clients.

1. Helping clients with identifying and achieving their personal goals.
2. Supporting clients during crises and helping them identify coping strategies.
3. Connecting clients with community resources for further help, such as housing, employment, education, and medical care.

• Maintaining client confidentiality and respecting clients’ rights and personal beliefs.
• Providing feedback and input to the mental health care team about clients’ progress and response to treatment.

1. Participating in ongoing training and professional development to keep up to date with best practices in peer support.

Qualifications and Skills

 High School Diploma/GED/Life Experiences

Mississippi Department of Mental Health Certification