Peer Recovery Support Specialist WRF

Description

Wellness for Recovering Families

Job Title: Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS)
Reports To: Program Director / PRSS Supervisor
Position Type: Full-time / Part-time

Job Summary

The Peer Recovery Support Specialist provides advocacy, support, and guidance to families impacted by substance use, utilizing their lived experience to help parents navigate substance use challenges, child welfare systems, and the responsibilities of maintaining parental roles. This role fosters a supportive, non-judgmental environment for families, helping them identify and access resources across social determinants of health, including housing, transportation, employment, , food, education, and healthcare. The Peer Specialist works closely with a Family Coordinator, facilitating families’ access to treatment and community resources to build stability and resilience.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Advocacy and Support: Act as an advocate for families, supporting parents in communicating with child welfare, legal, and social service agencies.
• Lived Experience Guidance: Use personal experiences with substance use and recovery to connect with parents, offering empathy and insights on overcoming barriers.
• Service Navigation: Partner with families to understand and access substance use treatment, recovery services, and community resources related to housing, healthcare, employment, and education.
• Skill Building and Resource Coordination: Assist families in developing life skills, parenting techniques, and resource management strategies to enhance family stability and wellness.
• Collaborative Case Management: Work closely with the Family Coordinator to identify family needs, set realistic goals, and facilitate access to services that align with the family’s objectives.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate and confidential records of interactions, progress, and challenges, following program guidelines and data collection requirements.
• Education and Outreach: Help families understand their rights, options, and available resources within the child welfare and substance use treatment systems.
• Client Transportation: Provide transportation for clients to their initial appointments with service providers, treatment centers, or other critical resources to ensure timely access to necessary support services.

Qualifications

Qualifications and Requirements

Experience, Knowledge, and Skill Requirements

• Lived Experience: Personal experience with substance use or substance use disorder and navigating child welfare or family support systems.
• Advocacy Skills: Demonstrated ability to advocate effectively for self and others, with a compassionate understanding of families’ struggles.
• Factors that Impact Health and Wellness: Familiarity with challenges related to housing, employment, education, healthcare, and family dynamics in the context of substance use.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Strong ability to build trust and rapport with families, communicate clearly, and listen empathetically.
• Organizational Skills: Ability to manage time effectively, document activities accurately, and coordinate efforts with the Family Coordinator and other service providers.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Awareness of and respect for diverse backgrounds, values, and needs, especially regarding race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.
• Recovery Experience: Minimum of two years of sustained recovery, demonstrating personal growth and a commitment to the recovery process.
• Recovery Employment: At least one year of professional experience as a Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS), or a combination of professional and volunteer peer recovery work totaling at least two years.

Education and Training Requirements

• Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent; additional training or certification in peer support, family advocacy, or substance use recovery is preferred.
• Peer Support Certification: Certification as West Virginia Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS) through WVCBAPP.

Salary : $19 - $20