Peer Support Specialist II

PEER SUPPORT SERVICE SPECIALIST II:    

Under the direct supervision of the Program Manager.  Peer support services are delivered by individuals who have common life experiences with the people they are serving (retrieved from: SAMHSA.org.). Will organize and coordinate an array of services for clients referred to the program. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

Must be at least 18 years of age and older.

High School diploma or equivalency, and three (3) years’ experience working with youth.

Must have lived experience with cycles of violence, justice system involvement and incarceration that includes but is not limited to involvement in the justice system, returning citizens, formerly group and gang involved persons.

Bilingual preferred.

Must successfully complete all required training for this position.

Must successfully pass a certification exam for Peer Support Services within a specific timeframe.

Knowledge of mental health and substance use community resources.

Broad knowledge and experience in working with individuals in recovery.

Must have no convictions for domestic violence, sexual offenses, or other serious crimes against persons.

Must establish an effective working relationship with YDI staff and other agencies.

Extensive knowledge of community resources and ability to work efficiently with public and private agency professionals.

Broad knowledge of assessment, service planning and service coordination in working with adolescents and families.

JOB CHARACTERISTICS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This is a professional position, which requires organizational, and communication skills, as well as judgment, tact, and diplomacy in contacts with YDI employees, community residents, parents, and local government agencies.  Strict adherence is required to all regulation and concerning confidentiality. 

Good general health.  Background investigation to include fingerprinting will be required.  Physical is required upon hire and may be required intermittently. 

Frequent travel is required by employee and proof of satisfactory car insurance is required.

Non-traditional hours required.

Youth Development, Inc. is an at-will employer.  Employment is by mutual consent of the company and employee, and either may terminate the relationship at any time with or without cause or advance notice.  This job is contingent upon funding; however, availability of funding is not a guarantee of continued employment, nor does it imply any specific term of employment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES (Not Inclusive):

• Will coordinate all services with the Program Manager.
• Will respond to all assigned cases within the time frames specified in the contract.
• Will work a flexible, non-traditional schedule to meet the needs of the target population.
• Will provide assertive outreach throughout the City of Albuquerque in accordance with scheduled established by the program.
• Will provide client-centered case management and community health-oriented navigation to address the social determinants of health.
• Will provide trauma recovery curriculum in group settings for clients to identify and address all areas of trauma.
• Will work together with the assigned client(s) to develop socialization and recreational skills.
• Will develop and set a plan to provide aid and comfort to a person in crisis.
• Will work with assigned clients to help them in developing recovery and resiliency skills.
• Will work collaboratively with YDI programs and community partners to ensure appropriate services are attained for all referred clients.
• Will coordinate access to services for clients in the areas of medical, social, educational, vocational, legal, and therapeutic care.
• Will accept referrals from community-based agencies, law enforcement, schools, crisis response teams and all appropriate entities throughout the City of Albuquerque.
• Will implement the service plan for each client which will outline the proposed plan of care.
• Will monitor and evaluate the provision of client services on an ongoing basis and maintain the client file.
• Will provide advocacy and referral services on behalf of clients.
• Will provide family support services to identified secondary clients.
• Will provide all required reports as outlined in the Scope of Work.
• Will capture all required data and input data into the agency electronic data system.
• Will participate in Quality Service Reviews (QSRs) per program requirements.
• Will cooperate with all established Quality Assurance protocols.
• Will participate in individual and group supervision.
• Other duties as assigned.