At-Risk Peer Worker

POSITION SUMMARY

Under general supervision, the At-Risk Peer Worker is a professional level position that serves as a bridge between individuals facing significant life challenges and the resources they need to overcome barriers influenced by social determinants of health. This role provides support and empowerment to individuals in overcoming barriers to health, stability, and self-sufficiency. The At-Risk Peer Worker will assist with implementation of programs and act as an advocate for individuals that may have limited access to health resources and social services.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK:
This list may not be inclusive of the total scope of job functions to be performed. Duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted or modified at any time.

• Provides clients with ongoing education regarding substance abuse, mental health, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, tobacco, nutrition, exercise, and other health and wellness information.
• Assist clients in developing activities and behaviors that support sustained recovery.
• Assist in linking clients to recovery support systems.
• Act as a liaison between client and medical providers; assist with navigating health insurance and financial assistance programs.
• Provide case notes for every intervention provided.
• Identify gaps and barriers for the individual, communicate with appropriate staff, and assist in creating effective treatment plans.
• Promote advocacy for individuals that struggle with substance use, access to care, support and resources within the community.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Graduation from an accredited high school (GED acceptable) supplemented by college coursework in the following areas: Child Development, Criminal Justice, Education, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work or a closely related field required.
• Associates degree with a major in Child Development, Criminal Justice, Education, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work or a closely related field preferred.
• An equivalent combination of relevant professional work experience supplemented by technical training, and/or certification may substitute for education requirement
• 1 to 3 years of responsible work experience required; experience working with at-risk individuals preferred.
• Must successfully complete Community Health Worker (CHW) Certificate Training program within one year of hire.
• Demonstrates knowledge of trauma informed care.
• Demonstrates positive beliefs and feelings regarding clients with varying levels of needs.
• Writing, reading, mathematical principles; proficient computer skills-Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook; exercise sound judgment and decision making in accordance with policies and procedures; ability to research and problem solve independently; knowledge of County operations and functions; ability to prioritize and time manage; handle stressful situations, provide effective and friendly customer service; support the County's mission and values; ability to think critically where necessary.
Knowledge or understanding of basic administrative tasks: operate standard office equipment; document management; prepare and maintain records, various correspondences and reports; answer general inquiries and refer as necessary; answer telephone calls, process mail, order supplies/equipment; prepare meeting agendas, attend meetings, record/transcribe/distribute minutes; entering, transcribing, recording, storing or maintaining information in written or electronic form with speed and accuracy; maintain calendars, arrange meetings, schedule rooms and equipment as necessary.

• Ability to demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance.
• Ability to read, write & communicate in English; follow written and verbal instruction and understand basic mathematics and figure checking.
• Ability to interpret and apply procedures, rules, technical information, instructions, manuals to complete tasks accurately and on schedule.
• Ability to learn from directions, observations, and mistakes; and apply procedures using good judgement.
• Ability to use discretion and maintain sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to work independently or part of a team; ability to interact appropriately with others such as County officials, employees, vendors and the general public.
• Ability to work under supervision, receiving instructions/feedback, coaching/counseling and/or action/discipline.
• Adaptability to change in the work environment, managing competing demands and ability to deal with frequent changes, delays or unexpected events.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services including customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction
Proficient skills using Microsoft Office programs including, but not limited to: Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook as required. Proficiency may be tested.

• Prior to starting employment, the candidate must complete a satisfactory background check. The background check is understood to encompass all forms of pre-employment screening, including but not limited to: drug screen, physical, criminal background, driving record, sex offender registry, education, training and licensing verification, employment history, credit check, and professional and personal references.

• Speak to others to convey information effectively.
• Read, interpret and understand procedures, rules, technical information, instructions and manuals.
• Hear and understand information presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Specific vision requirement includes close vision, distance vision, color and depth perception.
• Use hands to operate a computer, handle materials and operate equipment.
• Push or pull carts, reach with hands and arms forward, above and below shoulder level.
• Lift, move or carry objects, equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Sit, bend, stoop, crouch, crawl and kneel in an ergonomically correct manner.
• Stand and walk, climb stairs.
• Normal office hours are from 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m.
• Generally works in a normal office environment.
The noise level in the work environment is moderate with many interruptions.