Peer Support

Job Title: Peer Support Specialist

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Hybrid - Applicants preferred to reside in one of the following Idaho cities: Idaho Falls, Pocatello, or Twin Falls.

Reports To: Peer Support/Recovery Coach Supervisor

Position Overview:

The Peer Support Specialist will provide peer support services as a key member of a multi-disciplinary team, assisting individuals with mental illness and/or substance use disorders in their recovery journey. This role focuses on promoting personal growth, empowerment, and recovery through individualized support, encouragement, and skill-building. The Peer Support Specialist will work directly with clients, helping them navigate challenges, enhance their coping strategies, and foster stronger social connections both within the community and with their support systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Individualized Support & Coaching:
• Provide one-on-one guidance, coaching, and ongoing support to individuals in their recovery process.
• Encourage self-advocacy and provide practical strategies to help clients manage their mental health or substance use challenges.
• Resource Utilization & Training:
• Offer training to clients on the use of personal and community resources, empowering them to actively engage in their recovery journey.
• Assist clients in identifying and accessing relevant support networks, including community programs and services that can aid in their recovery.
• Community Support Development:
• Collaborate with clients to establish both formal and informal community supports, fostering a network of relationships that contribute to long-term recovery.
• Assist in expanding clients' social support systems by strengthening connections with family, friends, and significant others.
• Crisis Support & Encouragement:
• Provide encouragement and emotional support during times of crisis, helping clients navigate difficult moments and reinforcing their recovery goals.
• Offer guidance on managing stress and overcoming setbacks as clients work through their recovery plans.
• Advocacy & Rights Protection:
• Advocate on behalf of clients to protect their rights and dignity, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are addressed in treatment planning.
• Help reduce stigma associated with mental health and substance use disorders by promoting awareness and understanding within the community.
• Collaboration & Teamwork:
• Work closely with other service providers, family members, and significant others involved in the client's recovery process.
• Participate in the development and review of individualized recovery plans, contributing insights based on lived experience and peer support knowledge.
• Meetings & Supervision:
• Attend agency staff meetings, case conferences, and individual/group supervision sessions to discuss client progress and ensure quality service delivery.
• Actively contribute to the improvement of services and participate in the exchange of ideas and best practices within the team.
• Productivity & Documentation:
• Meet established productivity standards and ensure accurate documentation of services provided, including case notes and client progress updates.
• Maintain appropriate records in compliance with agency policies and confidentiality guidelines.
• Confidentiality & Ethics:
• Strictly observe confidentiality rules regarding clinical information and treatment, both internally within the agency and when interacting with external agencies or individuals.
• Uphold and adhere to ethical standards in all professional interactions, ensuring that clients' rights are respected at all times.
• Training & Professional Development:
• Participate in ongoing staff training and professional development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge in peer support practices.
• Stay informed about the latest trends in recovery-focused care, mental health, and substance use treatment.
• Committee Participation:
• Serve on designated committees or working groups within the agency, contributing to organizational initiatives and service improvements.
• Other Duties:
• Perform any other duties related to peer support services as assigned by the supervisor or agency leadership.

Qualifications & Requirements:

Education:

• A high school diploma or GED is required.

Experience:

• Lived experience as a past or present consumer of mental health or substance use services is required.
• A history of successfully managing personal mental health or substance use challenges is essential.
• Previous experience working directly with individuals in a service-oriented field is preferred.
• Active participation in a consumer advocacy group, self-help group, or support network is highly beneficial.

Skills & Competencies:

• Ability to build rapport and work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact with clients, family members, and service providers in a professional and empathetic manner.
• Sound understanding of mental health and/or substance use disorders, recovery principles, and treatment approaches.
• Personal qualities of patience, tolerance, empathy, and a deep commitment to helping others in their recovery journey.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a multidisciplinary team, ensuring effective collaboration and service delivery.

Licensure:

• Valid and/or Provisional Peer Support Specialist Certification

Working Conditions:

• This is a full-time position based at Optima Health Care Systems.
• Evening or weekend hours may be required depending on client needs and service schedules.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.

About Us:

At Optima Health Care Systems, we are committed to providing comprehensive, compassionate care to individuals and families impacted by substance use and co-occurring disorders. Our team is dedicated to promoting recovery and empowering clients to live healthier, more fulfilling lives as a Peer Support Specialist, you will be integral in supporting individuals through their recovery journey while contributing to a collaborative and dynamic team environment.

Location: Hybrid - Applicants preferred to reside in one of the following Idaho cities: Idaho Falls, Pocatello, or Twin Falls.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $35,000.00 - $40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Evenings as needed
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Ability to Commute:

• Twin Falls, ID 83301 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Twin Falls, ID 83301: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Twin Falls, ID 83301

Salary : $35,000 - $40,000