NERLC Forensic Peer Speciliast

$1000 Sign on Bonus!

The Northeast Recovery Learning Community’s Forensic Peer Specialist is someone who utilizes their own history of justice system involvement and mental health/addiction recovery to deliver 1:1 and group services related to behavioral health and justice system involvement for the persons we serve. The Forensic Peer Specialist will work with individuals experiencing mental health and or addiction related challenges, interfacing with various layers of the MA justice system, including law enforcement, jails, courts, reentry into society following incarceration and probation. The Forensic Peer Specialist will routinely perform their work out in the community and is comfortable in environments like: Tewksbury state hospital, emergency rooms, jails/prisons, courts, halfway houses, mental health offices and other community settings. The Forensic Peer Specialist will work in the Northeast Recovery Learning Community’s Addiction/Re-entry domain and will work closely with the Addiction/Re-entry Coordinator, while reporting to the Interim Operations Manager. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist individuals impacted with understanding and navigating the Massachusetts Justice system
• Provide 1:1 and group support specific to successfully completing community re-entry, probation requirements, and mental health/drug court involvement
• Coach individuals to identify personal interests related to recovery and accessing community resources (educational, vocational, social, cultural, and spiritual) that align with their interests
• Provide skill development as well as information about recovery, wellness, and re-entering community
• Represent the NERLC in mental health courts, correctional facilities, homeless shelters, halfway homes and other community settings that serve individuals with justice involvement located throughout the Northeast area
• Speak publicly and educate the community at large regarding issues affecting returning citizens and persons with mental health and or addiction related challenges
• Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with community agencies, and advocacy organizations throughout the Northeast area
• Participate in weekly team meetings and attend monthly staff meetings
•  Maintain regular communication with all referral sources, report on outcomes as well as identify challenges and goals for future program performance
• Assist in the routine collection of NERLC reporting documentation
• Maintain strict standards of confidentiality in accordance with Federal HIPPA laws
• Research and stay current with best practices in Forensic Peer Support services and provide ongoing training to RLC staff as needed

Interpersonal Communication:

• Excellent consumer satisfaction skills with a commitment that all consumers seeking information will get the time and attention needed to satisfy their need for information
• A positive attitude with all consumers in order to achieve excellent consumer satisfaction outcomes
• Model integrity, personal and professional ethics and maintain confidential consumer and organizational data 
• Maintain a positive working relationship with consumers, co-workers, referral sources and others to achieve positive outcomes
• Maintain updated computer technology competencies i.e. Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and WILD

Teamwork and Cooperation:

• Work as an effective team member in a collaborative manner through strong individual contribution and commitment
• Demonstrate effective communication and problem-solving skills, both verbally, written, and in electronic formats

Workplace Performance and Professional Development:

• Achieves positive consumer relationships within his/her control, and contributes to a positive public image of the overall organization
• Maintains a positive work setting through planning and effective use of benefit time
• Commitment to continuous improvement strategies and demonstration of the knowledge, skills and abilities related to this position
• Participates in continuing education, training, and staff development opportunities
• Provides formal and informal transfer of knowledge and peer mentoring leadership

Qualifications:

• Must be a person with prior justice involvement, living in recovery from mental health challenges/trauma
• Need to have completed or be willing to complete a recognized peer training program and provide verification within the first 12 months of employment. Recognized trainings include Forensic Peer Specialist, Recovery Foundations, Certified Peer Specialist, Recovery Coach or Wellness Recovery Action Plan training
• This position requires occasional nights and weekend hours
• Should have access to reliable transportation to work with individuals in all 69 cities and towns served by the DMH Northeast area
• Experience sharing one’s personal story of recovery and hope
• Ability to interact effectively with diverse groups of people from different ethnic, cultural, racial, economic, and gender identity backgrounds
• Bi-lingual/bi-cultural and experience as a public speaker preferred but not required

Review Policy:

Supervisor will complete performance appraisal with employee at the completion of a six-month probation period.  Job duties and assignments will be reviewed at this time.   Thereafter, performance appraisals will be completed and reviewed annually. This is a part-time (20 hours per week) position.