Peer Support Specialist

Job Details

Job Location

Dayton - 624 Xenia - Dayton, OH

Education Level

4 Year Degree

Salary Range

$17.00 - $17.00 Hourly

Travel Percentage

Up to 25%

Job Shift

Job Category

Nonprofit - Social Services

Description

East End Community Services is a 25-year old non-profit organization whose mission is to break the cycle of generational poverty in Dayton Ohio.

Through the process of skilled coaching we help empower disadvantaged individuals and whole families to explore the change process, set goals, and create specific plans for building new skills and self-confidence to achieve overall success.

We offer programs in education (out-of-school-time academic, social and emotional support for K-8 students and high school age youth;

plus parent education), employment and income stability (credential based job skills training, computer training, job related soft skills training, job placement), health services (support for struggling with addiction recovery), access to affordable housing and healthy food, and social connectedness (opportunities to build supportive relationships with others).

East End Community Services is legally known as WestCare Ohio, a proud subsidiary of the international non-profit organization - WestCare Foundation.

Position Summary :

The Certified Peer Supporter utilizes their lived experience of personal recovery, combined with formal training, to deliver recovery support services for individuals impacted by substance use disorder and / or mental illness.

Essential Job Functions include those listed below.

Essential Job Functions :

• Assesses the needs, conditions, and desires of identified program participants;
• Works collaboratively with program partners to ensure continuous coordination of services for peers and their families;
• Conducts data collection and ensures timely delivery of reports and other materials as directed by WestCare and program funders;
• Uses own unique, life-altering experience to guide and support peers and their families;
• Mentors and develops meaningful and trusting relationships with program peers struggling with drug addiction and child welfare issues;
• Meets regularly with partners to support and advocate for peers and families engaged in WestCare programs;
• Identifies and connects peers with community resources that support recovery;
• Maintains confidentiality, respects individuals privacy, routine, and independence;
• Attends required orientation, training and professional development, as appropriate;
• Participates in supervisory meetings and training with supervisor;
• Attends Conversation for Change (C4C) and other WestCare Ohio-supported activities that engage with peers, families and the community through health fairs, community events, and local grassroots programs;
• Assists other WestCare staff as needed to promote cooperation and portray a professional image to the community;
• Embraces and embodies the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision and goals of WestCare Foundation;
• Performs any other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Certifications / Licenses :

• Ohio Peer Recovery Supporter certification is required at time of hire;
• Valid drivers license and ability to obtain and maintain WestCares vehicle insurance is required.

Education :

• Graduation or working towards a degree from an accredited two-year or four-year college in Business Administration, Psychology, or other field related to the position is preferred;
• Completion of Ohio Certified Peer Supporter program training is required;
• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.

Experience and Competencies :

• Prior experience working with disadvantaged individuals required;
• Must have demonstrated knowledge and awareness of treatment, recovery and self-help programs within Dayton and surrounding communities where participants will be served;
• Must be in continuous recovery for at least two (2) full years without relapse, at time of hire;
• Evidence of lived experience of substance use disorder and / or mental illness is required;
• Must be willing to interact with peers who are homeless, and those needing access to or completing treatment or recovery programs, emergency shelter, Montgomery County Jail, DCI Womens Prison, or other program serving those impacted by substance use disorder or mental illness;
• Must be able to articulate the importance of ensuring an individuals access to many pathways and MAT support services as part of a recovery system of care;
• Must demonstrate ability to interact with and build relationships with individuals struggling with substance use disorder and / or mental illness;
• Must have computer literacy and demonstrated skills utilizing MS Word, Excel, virtual meeting services (Zoom), texting and social media;
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions is required;
• Excellent communication skills are required;
• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion is required;
• Ability to work well in a team environment required;
• Adherence to the highest standard of ethical conduct, especially to standards governing confidentiality required;
• Professional appearance and demeanor required;
• Must be culturally / linguistically sensitive to populations served;
• Intake and assessment experience is highly preferred;
• Bilingual ability is preferred;
• Prior experience using office equipment, including phones, scanners, printers, and fax machines, and web cameras is highly desired;

Working Conditions :

• Work is performed in an office, in residential recovery or treatment programs, and within a wide array of community settings that could include jail, prison, shelter and other locations where individuals reside or are being served;
• Some outdoor activities and travel will be required;
• Regular and prompt attendance is required throughout employment;
2 days ago