Peer Support Specialist

**Due to grant restrictions this position is open to FEMALE applicants only**

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:

The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) is a trained individual who has lived experience with addiction to alcohol and/or drugs who provides one-to-one strengths-based support to peers in recovery, empowering them to make healthier choices on a day-to-day basis. The RHCC Peer Support Specialist provides a community-based service for adults age eighteen and older who have a substance use disorder and may have other co-occurring needs. The PSS provides structured, scheduled activities that promote recovery, self-determination, self-advocacy, and enhancement of community living skills. Services are individualized, recovery-focused, based on a relationship of mutuality that allows the individual client an opportunity to learn to manage his or her own recovery. The PSS is responsible for providing Psycho-Educational and supportive therapeutic interventions that are intended to meet the substance use disorder and/or needs of mental health clients with significant functional deficits or who because of negative environmental, medical or biological factors, are at risk of developing or increasing the magnitude of such functional deficits. This position is to be supervised by a Qualified Professional.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide recovery resources to individuals and their family members.
• Educate individuals on overdose prevention and naloxone (Narcan) administration.
• Advocate for the needs of each individual.
• Case Management activities including all necessary documentation.
• Meet with recoverees to build a trusting peer-based relationship.
• Communicate with medical staff to build a rapport and coordinate care.
• Community/Clinic Outreach activities
• Provide legal information on harm reduction laws
• Distribute naloxone kits
• Monitor services provided to consumers in all settings.
• Utilize therapeutic communication skills to engage consumers during treatment
• Observe, report, and document signs and symptoms or changes in consumer's behavior on appropriate forms to be included in consumer's medical record.
• Inform consumers about benefits, community resources, and services.
• Assist consumers with obtaining resources and services.
• Consult with other treatment staff
• Ensure that predetermined activities take place
• Work a varied shift when necessary.
• Maintain the confidentiality of Robeson Health Care Corporation and the patients/consumers that the corporation serves.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least twenty-one years old.
• An individual who has lived experience with addiction to alcohol and/or drugs
• Clean driving record.
• Able to read, write, understand and follow directions.
• High School Diploma or GED
• Clear Healthcare Registry report.

ADDITIONAL TRAINING AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Therapeutic Behavioral Management (Nonviolent/Restrictive Crisis Intervention)
• Blood-borne Pathogens
• CPR
• First Aid Certification
• Medication Administration
• Client Rights
• Crisis Management
• Multi-cultural and gender specific issues
• Issues of substance abuse and the process of recovery
• HIV/AIDS
• Incident Reporting
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases
• Drug Screening
• Domestic Violence, sexual abuse, and sexual assault
• Confidentiality
• Therapeutic Parenting skills
• Dynamics and needs of emotionally disturbed and substance abusing individuals.
• Successful completion of Certified Peer Support Training Program.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $15.62 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 40 per week

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Night shift
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Drug/Alcohol addiction: 2 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)
• Certified Peer Support Specialist (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16