Peer Support Specialist (Alumni House)

Gateway Community Services is proud to be a recognized leader in addiction treatment for adults and adolescents in the Northeast Florida region. Since 1978, Gateway has been committed to providing compassionate services to those lost in the despair of addiction.

POSITION: RECOVERY PEER SPECIALIST – ALUMNI HOUSE

REPORTS TO: DIRECTOR OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN SERVICES AND SUPPORTED HOUSING

POSITION OBJECTIVES

The Recovery Peer Specialist (RPS) will prove Peer Support services at 900 Bridier St. for patients and residents residing at the Alumni House. PSS will work with the residents at the Alumni Houses during their next steps of recovery. The PSS ensures care coordination and peer supported services are provided appropriately and consistently with those being served.

Recovery Peer Specialists are primarily responsible for participating in assessment Screening, Brief Intervention, Motivational Interviewing, linkages, referral, monitoring, advocacy and assisting with recovery goal plans of assigned Alumni House participants. The RPS is responsible for providing quality-individualized services and for maintaining high paraprofessional standards.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Comply with all Gateway and Alumni House (AH) policies and procedures.

2. Makes contact with Alumni House residents on a daily rotation.

3. Using evidence-based practices, while assisting patient with self-assessments.

4. Meet regularly with assigned participants in working with their treatment team in determining the steps necessary to achieve their goals and self-directed recovery.

5. In conjunction with Alumni House case managers, make necessary referrals; such as housing, community support and transportation.

6. Develop relationships with those who provide support and services in the community acting as a recovery ambassador for Gateway’s Alumni House.

7. Provide participants information, linkage, follow-up, monitoring and referral to all individualized community services. This includes helping to arrange ongoing transportation needs.

8. Consult with AH team on a daily basis for case staffing. Follow up with current patients and residents

9. Work with AH participants individually and in-group during assigned times.

10. Maintain a positive working relationships with Gateway staff.

11. Act as an advocate for effective recovery-based services

12. Maintain and submit accurate documentation on participants’ progress as per organizations procedures.

13. Meet with the AH staff on a weekly basis and/or as needed and implement suggested made.

14. Participate in AH staff meetings.

15. Participate in Gateway internal/external training programs.

16. Serve as a Recovery Peer for Alumni House by promoting positive recovery message and services of employed rehabilitation organization.

17. Participate in ongoing recovery training, education and performance support.

18. Documentation and Reporting: Maintains, current, accurate and comprehensive information in each record to include all activities, contacts and communications. Obtains consents and releases of information when indicated.

19. Understand the importance of working as a team with internal and external individuals.

20. Understand the various resources available in our community to address patients’ and resident’s needs.

21. In town travel may be required

22. Other duties as assigned by Gateway management.

23. Productivity goals will be monitored on a bi-weekly and quarterly basis

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

1. Must be eligible through DCF and AHCA with Level II Background checks throughout employment.

Must abide by the organization’s Code of Conduct, policy and procedures, and state certification code of ethics.

The ability to comply with equal employment opportunity requirements.

Must complete all in-person and Relias trainings assigned during probation and throughout employment.

Must practice universal precautions as part of regular job duties whenever applicable.

Timely and regularly complete all required documentation, reports, and other organization-related paperwork.

Must be able to perform assigned work independently with minimal supervision and make decisions using appropriate judgment.

Maintain the work area clean and orderly, ensuring safe operating conditions.

Must be able to take direction and guidance from managers and supervisors respectfully and function as an effective team member.

Must have the ability to comply with a workplace of dignity and respect.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

· High School Diploma, GED or higher.

· Minimum 2 years personal recovery experience regarding mental illness/substance abuse and willing to talk to others about their experience.

· Has experience in formal work and /or volunteer experience related to mental health/substance abuse

· Certification: Certified Recovery Support Specialist and/or Certified Recovery Peer Specialist by the Florida Certification Board

· Licensure: Must have a valid Florida Driver’s License. Be able to drive a company vehicle to facilitate outings and events.

· Strong knowledge of local and international mutual-aid support

· Trainings: SOAR, WRAP® preferred

· The ability to pass a DCF Level II Background Screening

SKILLS

· Leadership skills to facilitate groups that are evidence-based, topic-focused and also open forums.

· Good verbal and written communication skills.

· Understands essentials of good time management.

· Ability to interact well with local community, referral sources and clients.

· Safe driving record as verified by the Agency's insurance company.

· Ability to successfully complete agency driving test.

KNOWLEDGE

· Understanding of the SAMHSA’s Working Definition of Recovery, Principles of Recovery and the Eight Dimensions of Wellness.

· Have knowledge and understanding for cultural competencies to establish and maintain strong working relationships with culturally diverse patients, their families and caregivers as well as a wide range of community agencies and organizations.

CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE

· Valid State of Florida driver's license with a safe driving record.

· Peer Specialist Certification. (If a certification is not achieved prior to be hired, you will have 1 year to complete and submit to HR)

Gateway Community Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Gateway Community Services does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $15.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Do you have at least 2 years of lived recovery?

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Peer Certification (Preferred)

Work Location: Multiple locations

Salary : $15