Peer Support Specialist

Northern Light Mercy Hospital

Department: McAuley Residence - North

Position is located: McAuley Residence North

Work Type: Part Time Eligible

Hours Per Week: 20.00

Work Schedule: Variable

Summary:

The Peer Support Worker (PSW) provides services that foster the supportive peer relationships with and among the persons residing at McAuley Residence. The PSW will report directly to the McAuley Program Manager on all matters pertinent to the successful obtainment of program goals and standards. On a day-to-day basis, the PSW will work under the guidance of and with direction from the Program Manager. The PSW by definition is a person in recovery who will utilize her or his personal recovery experience to instill a sense of hope and optimism for persons in recovery. The incumbent will demonstrate a personal belief in recovery, a sincere interest in the welfare of persons in recovery and will demonstrate the ability to engage and serve the current residents. The PSW will promote and contribute to the development of a culture of recovery and empowerment within and outside of McAuley Residence and will uphold the integrity of program goals. The PSW will complete detailed and accurate case notes and other reports to document program measures. In addition, the PSW will act as the linkage between the Bangor McAuley Residence and the local Recovery Community. The PSW will connect the current and former residents with resources in the community in the form of seminars and service work opportunities. The incumbent performs duties and tasks in accordance with performance standards established for the job. The incumbent may have access to highly confidential resident, and/or Mercy proprietary information, and must handle the information in accordance with hospital policy, HIPAA requirements and the highest level of ethical standards. The incumbent is responsible for participation in and completion of all resident safety initiatives appropriate to the position and conducts all job responsibilities according to the Mission and Values of Mercy Hospital.

Responsibilities:

1. Act as an Integral member of McAuley Residence team. Provide a role model for current residents. Share personal experiences of recovery to build a sense of hope. Assist in the development of a culture of recovery and peer support by engaging in and supporting peer relationships. Demonstrates and models positive relationship skills through attitudes, interactions, behaviors, and use of language. Demonstrates respect for cultural diversity, respect, and confidentiality. Takes responsibility for personal development.

2. Support the solutions-focused model of success at McAuley Residence. Assist residents in the development and implementation of their individualized and integrated plan. Coordinates all recovery community meetings. Establishes open communication to encourage problem solving. Provides on-going feedback for performance evaluation. Supports residents to explore and broaden their personal identity and worldview. Encourages residents responsibility for self-care, wellness, and recovery. Seeks out and shares relevant information to enable residents to make informed choices.

3. Coordinates volunteer/resident activities. Updates weekly volunteer scheduled group activities. Accepts responsibility for promoting an environment conducive to professional, positive, and sober relationships. Collaborates with the McAuley Residence team on an on-going basis. Identifies and communicates potential quality and concerns to Program Manager

4. Performs additional duties as required or assigned.

Competencies and Skills

• Behaves with Integrity and Builds Trust: Acts consistently in line with the core values, commitments and rules of conduct. Leads by example and tells the truth. Does what they say they will, when and how they say they will, or communicates an alternate plan.
• Cultivates Respect: Treats others fairly, embraces and values differences, and contributes to a culture of diversity, inclusion, empowerment and cooperation.
• Demonstrates Emotional Intelligence: Exhibits a high level of self-awareness, self-management, other awareness and relationship management. Conducts themselves in an empathic, appropriate way, with a sense of humor and stimulates a collaborative work environment. Is respectful of the attitudes, feelings, or circumstances of others and aware of the influence of their own behavior on them. Is aware of relevant social, political, system, and professional trends and developments and uses this information for the organization's benefit.
• Effectively Communicates: Listens, speaks and writes appropriately, using clear language. Communication methods are fitting to the message(s), audience, and situation and follow-ups are regular and timely. Shows that important (non-) verbal information is absorbed and understood and asks further questions to clarify when necessary. Expresses ideas and views clearly to others and has ability to adjust use of language to the audiences' level.
• Exercises Sound Judgment & Decision Making: Understands and processes complex information, which allows for appropriate and accountable conclusions. Does not react too quickly or slowly. Balances facts, goals, and potential approaches taking the appropriate criteria into account. Makes active decisions and commits oneself by communicating confidently and respectfully.
• Fosters Accountability: Creates and participates in a work environment where people hold themselves and others accountable for processes, results and behaviors. Takes appropriate ownership not only of successes but also mistakes and works to correct them in a timely manner. Demonstrates understanding that we all work as a team and the quality and timeliness of work impacts everyone involved.
• Practices Compassion: Exhibits genuine care for people and is available and ready to help; displays a deep awareness of and strong willingness to relieve the suffering of others.