Job summary
The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) will serve as a recovery agent for participants of the Medication Assisted Treatment Program individuals who are experiencing acute psychiatric crises.The focus is improving daily living skills and improving access to programming.The PS brings a unique asset to the treatment team as the PS has firsthand and or learned experience with recovery that allows the PS to fully empathize and relate to the life experiences of program participant and offers hope and support in overcoming obstacles.
Job seniority: entry level
Responsibilities
• Work one-on-one with each participant to determine strengths and needs to develop and meet self-directed recovery goals• Utilize tools such as Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) to help participants create their own individualized recovery plan.• Assist participants in determining the steps he/she needs to take in order to achieve his/her goals of self-directed recovery and housing stability.• Assist client in identifying and plugging into self-help groups, community groups, faith based community groups to foster participant's community involvement• Work closely with Crisis Clinicians to collaborate continuity of care and place referrals to the community as needed.• Assist participants with empowerment skills to improve coping techniques and self-help strategies• Consult with direct supervisor or supervisor on duty regarding participant's personal needs, behavior and service planning.• Follow appropriate critical incident protocol and accompanying documentation• Provide in-home visitation to support participants.• Maintain a comprehensive and accurate written record of events that occur during visitations• As clinically appropriate, share their own recovery story and how they tackled obstacles or challenges in their recovery journey to help normalize participant experience.• Manage a caseload of approximately 5-15 adults at any given time.• Responsible for linking clients as they transition through the levels of care, ensuring that the individual treatment and recovery plan is formulated and implemented• Maintain healthy boundaries with program participants• Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
• Peer Specialist certification is required but, if not available at the time of hire must be acquired within 6 months of employment with the agency.• High School Diploma, at minimum, with at least two years in recovery from a substance use or a combination of substance use and mental health disorder or a combination there of work-related experience; Or Associate's degree with two years of work experience• Preferred, Bachelor's degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology or other Behavioral Health Sciences, and at least one year of experience.• Ability to prepare written reports; possess data entry skills, monitor and direct program activities; and ensure the safety and security of program operations.• Develop effective working relationships with other staff, community partners, and individuals served at the program.• Strong organization skills, problem-solving skills and judgment are desired.• Ability to develop effective working relationships with the person served population, be self-motivated and able to motivate others.• Strong interpersonal and communication skills are a must due to the extensive collaboration and networking that is required in the field.• The ability to multitasks and handle a non-traditional work environment.• The ability to be a self-started and work independently with limited supervision at times.• Must have a high level of compassion and respect for persons with special needs;• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, Power-point, Outlook Email, and other systems i.e. electronic time punches, electronic medical records etc.• Ability to think independently and demonstrate good problem-solving skills• Bilingual in any language a plus.
