Peer Support Specialist

Job Description

Job Title: Peer Support Specialist (Addiction Focus)

Class: Full Time/Non-Exempt

Position Overview: The Peer Support Specialist is a compassionate and dedicated individual with lived experience in long-term recovery who serves individuals and families who have experienced substance use disorders. The Peer Support Specialist will work with the client to build long-term recovery capital, remove barriers to a life of recovery, and promote housing and financial stability. The Peer Support Specialist will offer guidance, encouragement, and assistance in navigating the recovery process. The Peer Support Specialist will serve as an expert matter on addiction, providing educational opportunities to other staff members, clients, and their children when necessary. The primary objective of this role is to empower individuals and families in their journey toward sobriety by sharing personal experiences, offering empathetic support, and serving as a role model for recovery. The Peer Support Specialist presents to the public professionalism, dedication, and a caring attitude that is associated with Beatitude House and Ursuline Sisters Mission.

Responsibilities:

1. GeneralResponsibilities

- Assist Support Specialists with duties as requested.

- Work closely with several agency departments to promote client well-being.

- Communicate with residents while maintaining professional boundaries.

- Meet regularly with clients in the office, homes, or community location.

- Adhere to all professional ethics and commit to professional growth and development.

- Provide other program supportive services to residents, as requested.

- Assist with emergency phone rotation.

- Complete all other duties as assigned.

2. Peer Support & Recovery Planning:

- Offer one-on-one peer support to individuals with addiction issues, utilizing a strengths-based approach.

- Foster a supportive and non-judgmental environment where individuals feel safe to discuss their challenges and successes in recovery.

- Model behaviors of successful long-term recovery.

- Explore harm reduction to reduce the negative impact of behavior associated with substance use.

- Assist with establishing healthy structure and routines with clients and families.

- Assist with fostering life skills with clients such as healthy living routines, time management skills, financial management, education and career training, etc.

- Share personal experiences of addiction and recovery to provide empathy, encouragement, and hope.

- Assist clients with exploring supportive employment and educational opportunities.

- Assist Support Specialists and clients with developing personalized recovery goals tailored to their specific needs while completing their Housing Stability Plan.

- Collaborate with individuals to identify barriers to recovery and develop strategies to overcome them.

- Provide resources, referrals, and transportation to support services such as counseling, treatment programs, and community resources and attend appointments if necessary.

- Collaborate with children’s programming to address childcare needs.

- Locate support groups and 12-step programs in the community and offer transportation to meetings as requested.

- Plan activities around holidays and events that foster sobriety for clients to attend.

3. Advocacy and Education:

- Advocate for the rights and needs of individuals in recovery, both within the organization and in the broader community.

- Educate individuals and their families about addiction, recovery options, and available support services.

- Participate in community outreach efforts to raise awareness about addiction and reduce stigma.

- Engage clients in advocacy and education events in the community as appropriate.

- Provide prevention education and foster resiliency across children in various agency programs, specifically the Children’s Program.

4. Crisis Intervention:

- Provide crisis intervention support to individuals experiencing relapse or other setbacks in their recovery journey.

- Help individuals develop coping skills and resilience to effectively manage crises and prevent future relapses.

- Collaborate with other healthcare professionals and community organizations to ensure comprehensive support during crises.

5. Documentation and Reporting:

- Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of peer support activities, including progress notes, incident reports, and outcome measures.

- Compile data and prepare reports to track the effectiveness of peer support services and identify areas for improvement.

- Be knowledgeable about mandated reporting laws and carry out reporting when necessary.

- Ensure compliance with all relevant confidentiality and privacy regulations.

Qualifications:

- Lived experience with addiction and at least two years of personal recovery is essential.

- High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or related field preferred.

- Experience working in social services for at least two years.

- Completion of a certified peer support specialist training program or willingness to complete training upon hire.

- Ability to pass a background check and proof of a valid driver’s license.

- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and establish trust with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

- Knowledge of addiction recovery principles, evidence-based practices, and community resources.

- Ability to work independently as well as part of a multidisciplinary team.

- Demonstrate commitment to maintaining professional boundaries and confidentiality.

- Ability to sit, walk up and down stairs, and carry or lift up to 15 lbs.

- Ability to remain in a sedentary position for long periods of time.

- Adept with technology including Microsoft Office, Outlook, and databases.

- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Beatitude House & Ursuline Sisters Mission is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, citizenship status, disability status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression of an otherwise qualified individual, or membership in any other class protected by applicable law.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $14.50 - $15.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Bereavement leave
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Application Question(s):

• Do you have any certifications for peer support work?
• What makes you interested in this role?

License/Certification:

• driver's license (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $15 - $15