Program: Substance Use

Position: Certified Peer Recovery Specialist

Reports to: Substance Use Program Manager

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

The Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) is an individual who can use their own lived life experiences to help others through treatment and toward the path of sustained recovery from substance abuse. The CPRS is responsible for focused support of clients during treatment. The CPRS will work very closely with the treatment counselor and treatment team to coordinate, deliver, and document direct service to clients. They promote hope, personal responsibility, empowerment, education, and self-determination in the communities they serve. The CPRS will assist others in skills-building, problem-solving, setting up and maintaining self-help mutual support groups and building self-directed recovery tools. The primary focus of a CPRS is the delivery of recovery and/or skills training and one-on-one coaching to clients in accordance with the CPRS code of ethics, DBHDD, and VOA policies and procedure. The CPRS will model competency in recovery and wellness.

High School Diploma/GED required. Certification as a Peer Recovery Specialist or equivalent, indicating personal experience with substance abuse dependency. Personal lived experience with substance abuse dependency and a strong commitment to ongoing recovery. Experience working with individuals experiencing substance abuse dependency preferably in a residential setting. Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills. Basic understanding of addiction services, treatment approaches, and community resources. Ability to work sensitively with diverse people and communities, with empathy, patience, and a non-judgmental attitude toward clients and their families. Knowledge and experience collaborating with community resources. Ability to build rapport with clients, engage them in case management, and foster relationships with partner agencies. Ability to maintain a calm demeanor in potentially high-stress situations. Basic computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel. Computer proficiency is required to use Electronic Health Records. A valid GA driver’s license is required.

• Provide peer counseling and support to individuals experiencing substance abuse dependency, using lived experience to offer hope, inspiration, and guidance.

• Promote self-determination by modeling personal responsibility and self-advocacy and encouraging the enhancement of recovery.

• Work collaboratively with the treatment team to ensure comprehensive care and support, creating opportunities for clinicians to provide case management.

• Attend team meetings and advocate for clients' needs, ensuring they receive the necessary services, support, and resources.

• Build rapport and trust with clients by utilizing personal experience with substance abuse dependency and recovery.

• Offer emotional support, encouragement, and hope to individuals navigating their own experiences with substance abuse dependency.

• Advocate for clients' needs, preferences, and goals within the treatment team, assisting clients in developing personalized recovery plans.

• Collaborate with clients to identify strengths, interests, and areas of growth.

• Provide practical guidance on coping strategies, symptom management, and daily living skills.

• Share resources and information about mental health services, community support, and self-help strategies.

• Contribute insights to enhance the clinical team's understanding of clients' experiences.

• Share personal recovery stories to inspire and educate others about the possibilities of recovery, acting as a role model for clients.

• Support clients' goals through education and self-advocacy training.

• Adhere to documentation standards and procedures as required by the organization.

• Families are provided appropriate, quality and documented services.

• Case records and services are documented accurately and timely in the Carelogic EHR system.

• Objectives and goals are attained.

• Demonstrate Core values on a daily basis through personal behaviors and interactions with staff and clients.

• The CPRS is expected to adhere to all agency policies and to act as a role model in the adherence to our organizations’ policies.

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret, common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write articles for publication that conforms to prescribe styles and format. Ability to effectively present information to management, public groups and/or boards of directors.

American with Disabilities Specifications:

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hand to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop; kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust or focus.