What are the responsibilities and job description for the Peer Support Specialist position at Interfaith Works?
Job Description
Job Description
Title : Peer Support Specialist of Interfaith Works Drop-in Center & Shelter at Progress Place
Reports to : Program Director
Employment Status : Full-time
Shift schedule : rotating schedule; some evening and weekend shifts are required
FSLA Status : Exempt
Pay rate : $55,000 - $60,000 annually
POSITION SUMMARY
The Interfaith Works Drop-in Center (IWDC) and IW Shelter (IWS), located at Progress Place in downtown Silver Spring, is a fast-paced drop-in program with both year-round and seasonal overflow shelter program for adults experiencing homelessness. The program serves as an entry point and provides basic needs (toiletries, showers, laundry detergent and facilities) and case management services. The IWDC also operates an Overflow Shelter Program during winter and hyperthermia months. The Peer Support Specialist has the unique role of providing recovery services, health and wellness self-management education, as directed by a certified Clinical Specialist. From a perspective based on his or her personal experience with mental illness and / or co-occurring disorders of mental illness and substance abuse, the Peer Specialist provides and coordinates a broad range of services for clients who have histories of homelessness, psychiatric disability, substance abuse, criminal justice, and other trauma.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following :
- Collaborate with client in the formulation of an Individual Recovery Plan (IRP) that is reviewed and modified with client on a regular basis.
- Provide outreach, counseling, advocacy, and other needed services to clients in any environment including parking lot, surrounding community, shelters, jails, hospitals, apartments, etc.
- Use his or her unique recovery experience to teach and role model the value of every individual's recovery experience.
- Assist in developing and modeling effective coping techniques and self-help strategies.
- Assist in the development of tailored services to each client-i.e., housing placement, independent living skills, vocational guidance, appointment escorts, integrated substance use treatment, and family counseling.
- Maintain written and computerized records, compile reports and complete other program documentation (including case notes, statistics, letters, etc.) in HMIS.
- Assist clients to manage their monies, including preparing budgets with clients and computing expenses.
- Coordinate and monitor referrals to community services, and advocate client participation in them.
- Educate, inform and advocate for clients regarding benefits and entitlements (Social Security, Public Assistance, food stamps, etc.)
- Perform other related duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES)
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and / or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.
NOTE
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.
TO APPLY
Interested candidates must submit a resume with their application to be considered. Applicants must apply through this link . Please send any questions about the application process to info@iworksmc.org.
Interfaith Works is an equal opportunity employer which values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to a continued focus on equitable hiring, training, promotional practices, and policies. We are a drug free workplace and comply with ADA regulations, as applicable.
Salary : $55,000 - $60,000
