Certified Peer Support Specialist- Contract Position

JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Franklin County Community Based Correctional Facility seeks to contract with an individual for the provision of peer support services for justice-involved individuals who are currently incarcerated at the Franklin County Community Based Correctional Facility. A Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) is an individual who has personal lived experience in recovery from a mental health and/or substance abuse condition and who has been trained and certified to support their peers in gaining hope and moving forward in their own recovery journeys.

DISCLOSURE: THIS POSITION IS CONTINGENT UPON AVAILABILITY OF GRANT FUNDING AND MAY BE TIME LIMITED.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Peer Support

• The CPSS shall function as a role model using their personal experiences to develop meaningful and trusting relationships with individuals referred by the Franklin County Community Based Correctional Facility Treatment Team identified as needing additional peer support.
• Assist peer in working with their case management team to develop and adhere to post release transition plans based on recovery goals and steps to achieve those goals.
  
• Assist peer in gaining information and support from the community to develop mastery over their own recovery, to include but not limited to information pertaining to a variety of pro-social activities, Twelve Step and other recovery support groups, other supportive services options and community resources, i.e. communities of recovery, educational, vocational, social, cultural, spiritual, life skills development opportunities, etc.
• Provide opportunities for the peer to practice self-efficacy and advocacy through activities promoting accountability, empowerment and self-determination.
• As directed, develop a peer support group for individuals who are currently incarcerated to provide hope and a forum for shared positive interaction, teaching of problem solving, coping mechanisms and other life skills.
• Provide engagement, support and encouragement via regular in person contacts.
• Facilitate structured groups to foster meaningful change for justice-involved individuals.

Coordination of Peer Logistics

• The CPSS shall provide their peer(s) with transportation services as approved by the agency to support a positive reintegration back into the community. Approved activities may include transportation to treatment and other self-help support groups, appointments intended to establish benefits, housing, employment and/or obtain necessary identification, pro-social activities, etc.

Qualifications

• Certified Peer Support Specialist must be compassionate, patient, have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to self-direct the work and maintain consistent documentation of contacts with peers.
• Should be open to working with a diverse target population and respectful of cultural, socioeconomic, ethnic and racial differences including an understanding of trauma informed practices, implicit bias and systemic prejudice and discrimination.
  
• Must have an understanding of and respect for each individuals’ unique path to recovery and a demonstrated commitment to the recovery community.
• Must be open to a non-traditional work schedule including evenings and weekends.

Education and Position Requirements

• Qualified CPS must have at least one year of lived experience receiving behavioral health services for a confirmed mental health diagnosis and/or at least two years of sobriety for a substance abuse disorder.
• CPS must be in process of or already obtained certification through the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services as a Peer Recovery Supporter.
  
• Must have a valid Ohio Driver’s license, required comprehensive insurance and reliable transportation.
  
• Must have a personal telephone and be willing to use service to maintain regular contact with assigned peers.

THE FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMUNITY BASED CORRECTIONAL FACILITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND WILL NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY, NATIONAL ORIGIN, DISABILITY THAT CAN BE REASONABLY ACCOMMODATED, AGE, ANCESTRY, VETERAN STATUS, OR GENETIC INFORMATION, OR ANY OTHER STATUS PROTECTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.