Job Title: Peer Support Specialist

Company: Opportunities for A Better Tomorrow

Location: Chesterfield, Virginia

About the Job: The Peer Support Specialist plays a crucial role in enhancing the comprehensive treatment services provided to patients from their initial referral to discharge. This professional facilitates the development of skills and strengths in patients, empowering them to avoid relapse and successfully navigate the continuum of care towards long-term recovery.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Mentor individuals to promote decision-making, empowerment, and engagement.
• Serve as a liaison between individuals, clinical teams, and community resources.
• Advocate for individuals within the treatment process.
• Engage individuals referred to treatment at the initial point of contact to expedite screening for appropriate care.
• Provide peer support to clinically complex clients, drawing on shared experiences and offering guidance and encouragement.
• Offer peer support knowledge related to treatment modalities such as methadone, buprenorphine, or extended-release naltrexone injection maintenance treatment.
• Assist individuals in accessing and receiving services to meet social needs and support successful recovery maintenance.
• Aid in acquiring housing, essentials, and skills necessary for independent living.
• Assist patients in establishing relationships with primary care providers or additional medical care.
• Act as consultants and subject matter experts in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and participation in community support groups.
• Facilitate connections between clients and employers to support gainful employment.
• Assist in acquiring and developing life skills, education, and other identified needs post-recovery.
• Model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies to promote personal growth and handle stressors.
• Promote positive health, wellness, and lifestyle choices.
• Communicate regularly with the clinical team regarding client status, mood changes, medical issues, crises, and safety concerns.
• Document all client interactions, including "no shows," difficulties in contact, and services provided, in accordance with clinical standards and deadlines.
• Attend all required office trainings and clinical supervision sessions.

Requirements:

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Three or more years of experience in a behavioral health setting.
• Two or more years of experience in an acute inpatient behavioral health setting preferred.
• Training in personal advocacy, engagement, recovery, and resiliency principles.
• Certification as a Peer Specialist.
• CPR and de-escalation certification (training available upon hire).

This position offers a rewarding opportunity to make a positive impact on individuals' lives and contribute to their journey towards recovery and wellness.

Job Type: Contract

Pay: $0.01 - $60,899.00 per year

Benefits:

• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Morning shift
• No weekends

Experience:

• Addiction counseling: 1 year (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Chesterfield, VA 23832 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Chesterfield, VA 23832: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person