Peer Support Specialist

Description

Peer Support Specialist, MAT Program

Department: Clinical Quality

Location:  J Street Community Health Center

Reports to:  MAT Project Manager

Status: Part-Time, 20 hours per week

Pay Range:  $21.00 – $26.75/hr

FLSA: Non-Exempt
EEO-1:  Technicians

Organization Information

WellSpace Health believes that everyone deserves to be seen, no matter who you are, where you come from, where you work or what place you call home. We see you and are here for you. To that end, we’ve committed ourselves to finding solutions for our community’s health and wellbeing to achieve regional health through high quality comprehensive care.

Our focus has always been to offer a full range of quality medical care, dental care, mental health and behavioral health services, and enabling services to underserved people.  We do this by placing ourselves within the communities we serve and employing outstanding healthcare professionals who are devoted to our mission.

We are a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and are accredited by the Joint Commission for Ambulatory Care and Behavioral Health. We’re also certified by the Joint Commission as a Primary Care Medical Home and a Behavioral Health Home.

Position Summary

The Peer Support Specialist plays a vital role in WellSpace Health's Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Program, offering compassionate support and guidance to individuals managing substance use disorders. Drawing on both their lived experience and professional training, the Peer Support Specialist empowers individuals to cultivate the resilience, coping strategies, and support systems necessary for lasting recovery. They guide clients in connecting with community resources, staying on track with treatment plans, and working towards their long-term wellness and recovery goals.

Required Qualifications

• California Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist certification or eligibility to obtain within 90 days of hire (see details at https://www.capeercertification.org/certification/).
• Lived experience with mental health and/or substance use disorder recovery.
• Strong understanding of recovery principles and evidence-based practices.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a focus on active listening and empathy.
• Ability to develop trusting relationships and support individuals facing challenges.
• Cultural competency and understanding of diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Proficient in computer applications such as word processing, email, and electronic health records.
• Commitment to professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical conduct.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and independently.
• Willingness to participate in professional development opportunities.
• Adherence to infection control procedures, including but not limited to standard precautions of temperature monitoring, hand washing, symptom self-monitoring, masking, and social distancing.
• Assist and support the Center/Department/Program to meet standards of High Reliability.

Preferred:

• Two years of experience working in a peer support or recovery-oriented setting.
• Previous experience navigating and connecting individuals to community resources.
• Bilingual skills (e.g., Spanish, English).

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group peer support for individuals in recovery.
• Assist individuals in identifying and accessing community resources and support services.
• Advocate for individuals' needs and promote their self-determination.
• Facilitate connections with peers and build a supportive network.
• Conduct outreach and engagement activities to connect with individuals in need of support.
• Provide education and information about mental health and substance use disorders.
• Participate in case conferences and team meetings.
• Document services provided and track progress towards recovery goals.
• Conduct initial phone and in-person screenings for potential clients, assessing their needs and eligibility for MAT services.
• Complete intake registration paperwork accurately and efficiently, ensuring all required information is collected.
• Provide clients with clear information about the MAT program and available services.
• Refer clients to appropriate internal and external resources as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical guidelines.
• Attend training and participate in professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Successful candidate will receive regionally competitive salary, above average health benefits at reduced costs, company paid life insurance & long-term disability insurance, additional voluntary retirement plan with company match and no vesting schedule requirement.

• Paid bereavement and jury duty leave
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Paid time off
• Paid sick leave
• Flexible Spending Program
• Company paid malpractice insurance for all providers
• Professional development hours offered annually

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The work environment is characteristic of a medical clinic environment.  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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands and arms to reach.  The employee is also required to stand; walk; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.   The employee must also possess hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the phone.  The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

The employee may be in contact with individuals and families in crisis who may be ill, using substances and/or not attentive to personal health and safety for themselves or their homes. The employee may experience a number of unpleasant sensory demands associated with the client’s use of alcohol and drugs, and the lack of personal care.  The employee may also be exposed to bodily fluids (blood, urine) and hazardous chemicals.

WellSpace Health is committed to the principals of equal employment.  We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities, and all other employment laws and regulations.  It is the intent of WellSpace Health to maintain a work environment free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of age, race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and/or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws.  WellSpace Health is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy in regard to all aspects of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, placement transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, and other compensation, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

                                                       WellSpace Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Qualifications

Salary : $21 - $27