Job Description
Job Description
Job Summary : The Peer Support Specialist role is to use their own unique, life-altering experience to guide and support others who are in recovery from substance abuse. The PRSS will serve as a role model, mentor, advocate, and motivator to recovering individuals in order to help prevent relapse and promote long-term recovery.
Qualifications and Education Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- WV Peer Recovery Support Specialist Certification
- Must have been in recovery for a minimum of two years and be involved with a personal support and / or recovery system and not have received SUD treatment for the preceding six months
- Attestation of Recovery Statement
- Lived experience / history of receiving mental health services, substance abuse disorder, or trauma
- Ability to work well independently and in a team environment
- Ability to work with a diverse group of people
- At least 18 years of age
- Valid driver's license and auto insurance preferred
Preferred Skills
Effective verbal and written communication skillsMust be resourceful, an independent and critical thinker, and self-sufficientAbility to prioritize tasks, exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality with sensitive informationProficient understanding of basic office applications and computer skills.Certifications All certifications will be required to be completed prior to start date with revalidation per company’s policy
HIPAAAdult CPR - First AidBlood Borne PathogensCPI validation required within 30 days of employment with revalidation per company’s policy.
Role and Responsibilities
Assist individuals with recovery planning, relapse prevention, housing needs, and education / employmentAssist recovering persons to identify their personal interests, goals, strengths, and weaknesses regarding recovery.Maintain project logs, reports, and records of activities with clients in appropriate files or database.Exhibit a non-judgmental approach, listen with empathy, and have the ability to support people in discovering their own solutionsAbility to share personal lived experience in a way that empowers othersProvide a model for both people in recovery and staff by demonstrating that recovery is possibleProvide education and advocacy within the community and reduce the stigma and discrimination against people with mental health and substance use disordersInspire hope and create connection for people new to recoveryFacilitate the transition from a professionally directed service plan to a self-directed recover plan for their clients.Support Connections to community based, mutual self-helps groups. Link individuals to appropriate professional resources when needed. Provide vision-driven hope and encouragement for opportunities at varying levels of involvement in community-based activities (e.g., work, school, relationships, physical activity, self-directed hobbies. Etc.).Actively identify and support linkages to community resources (communities of recovery, educational, vocational, social, cultural, spiritual resources, mutual self-help groups, professional services, etc.) that support the recovering person’s goals and interests. This will involve a collaborative effort including the recovering person, agency staff, and other relevant stakeholders.Identify barriers (internal and external) to full participation in community resources and develop strategies to overcome those barriers.Participate in verbal de-escalation and physical interventions in emergent situations and is able to assist other staff as needed to maintain a safe healing environment for all.Other duties as directed