CERTIFIED PEER SPECIALIST SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS
Updated: Nov 17, 2024 - The Certified Peer Specialist possesses extensive knowledge of resources within both the agency and the community to effectively connect individuals to necessary support services. This position upholds strict confidentiality under HIPAA guidelines, demonstrates professionalism, and maintains credentials through ongoing education. With specialized training in sharing personal recovery stories, this role inspires hope and assists others in navigating their recovery journeys, always ensuring ethical interactions with community partners.
Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Certified Peer Specialist Resume
- Mental Health First Aid
- Crisis Intervention Techniques
- Knowledge of Recovery Models
- Documentation and Record Keeping
- Basic Counseling Techniques
- Understanding of HIPAA and Confidentiality Laws
- Familiarity with Community Resources
- Case Management Skills
- Medication and Treatment Knowledge
- Psychoeducation Skills.
- Empathy
- Active Listening
- Communication
- Patience
- Resilience
- Problem Solving
- Advocacy
- Cultural Sensitivity
- Conflict Resolution
- Motivational Skills.
Summary of Certified Peer Specialist Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume
1. BA in Psychology with 4 years of Experience
- Flexible and adaptive to the work environment.
- Ability to engage, plan, communicate, and understand mental health challenges, co-occurring disorders and developmental challenges
- Proficient with Microsoft Office and basic computer skills
- Proficient in Electronic Client Record Systems preferred.
- Working knowledge of the Functional Behavioral Approach, Skill Building, Sanctuary, Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, and Child and Family Team Process preferred.
- Effective and open communication, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work in partnership with others, including staff members across all departments.
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize.
- Organized and self-directed; team player
- Able to share information and collaborate effectively across all functions, and with both internal and external partners.
- Knowledge of completion of the Certified Peer Specialist training.
- Able to use a telephone, computer, copy/fax machine and agency van and/or car.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
2. BA in Social Work with 5 years of Experience
- Awareness of resources and programs within the agency and community to link individuals to said resources.
- Knowledge of HIPPA and how to maintain confidentiality for all indirect/direct services in accordance with agency policies.
- Professionalism, courtesy, telephone etiquette, reporting to work as scheduled
- Ability to use of typical office equipment (i.e. copier, fax machine, etc.)
- Ability to assist other individuals in their own recovery processes.
- Ability to engage with others, identify needs and problem-solve to a successful conclusion.
- Ability to use CPS training to share one's story as a means to provide hope and encouragement to individuals seeking services while in various stages of recovery.
- Ability to maintain licensure/credentials by completing all recommended continuing education requirements.
- Ability to conduct all professional activity in an ethical manner and represent the agency while interacting with community partners.
- Ability to utilize literature, workshops, and other training aids to continually improve clinical and administrative skills.
- Experience in acquiring and maintaining FBI, Child Abuse, Criminal Background clearances
- Experience working with individuals diagnosed with substance use disorders and families
3. BA in Counseling with 4 years of Experience
- Experience in navigating/personal knowledge and experience in the mental health system; professional office work experience
- Experience in training as a Peer Support Specialist must be completed prior to hire; must obtain certification through PA Certification Board within 6 months of hire.
- Experience in providing clearance per the Child Protective Services Law amended by PA Act 33 of 1985
- Excellent human relations and oral/written communication skills
- Experience in obtaining PA driver’s license in accordance with PA laws if license upon hire is out-of-state
- Knowledge of and ability in the care and support of individuals in a specific age group
- Able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing,
- Understanding and sensitivity to serving the culturally diverse and special needs population and possessing knowledge of the populations served in the services provided.
- Ability to conform to all applicable Agency policies and procedures.
- Experience in completing WRAP of hire or when offered by Behavioral Health Training and Education Network (BHTEN) or CBH.
- Understanding of the signs, symptoms and necessary interventions.
- Understanding of the effects of substance use and mental illness.
Professional Skills FAQs
What are professional skills?
Professional skills are abilities that help individuals perform tasks effectively in a workplace environment. These skills include both technical competencies required for specific roles and soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem solving.
What is the difference between hard skills and soft skills?
Hard skills are technical abilities learned through education or training, such as programming, data analysis, or laboratory testing. Soft skills refer to interpersonal abilities like communication, leadership, adaptability, and teamwork.
Why are professional skills important for careers and resumes?
Professional skills help employers evaluate whether a candidate can perform job responsibilities effectively. Listing relevant skills on a resume demonstrates qualifications and helps applications pass Applicant Tracking Systems used in modern hiring processes.
What professional skills do employers look for?
Employers usually value a combination of technical expertise and transferable workplace skills. Common examples include analytical thinking, communication, teamwork, leadership, time management, adaptability, and digital literacy.
How can professionals develop professional skills?
Professionals can develop skills through continuous learning, training programs, certifications, mentorship, and practical work experience. Staying updated with industry trends also helps individuals maintain relevant and competitive skills.
Editorial Process
Lamwork content is developed through structured review of publicly available job postings and documented hiring trends.
Editorial operations are managed by Thanh Huyen, Managing Editor, with research direction and final oversight by Lam Nguyen, Founder & Editorial Lead. Content is periodically reviewed to reflect observable labor market changes.