Peer Support Specialist

MISSION STATEMENT:

We say yes to people seeking help for addiction and mental health issues. We create pathways to recovery and purpose. We provide the right service at the right time, delivered by people with lived experience. We transform behavioral health systems through innovation, creativity and collaboration.

Job Description

Offers support and encouragement to individuals dealing with mental health or substance use challenges. Drawing from personal experience and specialized training to helps clients navigate their recovery journey, foster a supportive environment, and connect them with resources and services.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides direct peer support to clients engaged in recovery services to include, linkages to employment, education, housing, community resources.
• Assists clients in setting and pursing their recovery goals.
• Functions as a role model to clients.
• Serves as a liaison to providers and treatment team.
• Develops and maintains relationships with clients while maintaining healthy and professional boundaries.
• Provides motivational interviewing, community living skills, social, and emotional support.
• Assists clients in building social and interpersonal skills that will enhance employment opportunities.
• Helps clients understand and employ recovery strategies.
• Maintains an active awareness of the peer support services that are available in the state of Alaska.
• Works to motivate clients through positive means, highlighting strengths and resources.
• Models and teaches clients vital life skills that will aid in their success.
• Advocates for clients in treatment setting and within the community.
• Shares lived experiences and assists in community, relationship and skill building.
• Interacts with the clients in a manner conducive to their safety, dignity, privacy, and security.
• Attends staff meetings and works collaboratively with other staff in case staffing/review
• Engages in all assigned peer outreach and service activities in the community.
• Must have strong writing skills with attention to detail and accuracy of fact reporting.
• Completes timely documentation in client’s EHR, using DAP note format for each recovery service provided. All documentation is to comply with overseeing state or federal guidelines.
• Demonstrates ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Under guidance of Peer Support Supervisor, will promote and provide peer support programs and community support groups.
• Administer UAs and breathalyzers as needed.
• Weekly clinical supervision.
• Exhibits competency in personal recovery and use of coping skills.
• Attends weekly house meetings.
• Schedules weekly with clients at house meeting.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Ability to obtain Peer Support Certification with the State of Alaska within 3 years of hire date.
• Lived experience in addiction recovery, and 6 months continuous sobriety prior to hire.
• Employment is contingent upon receipt of a satisfactory state and federal background check.
• Combination of education, experience, and licensure accepted.
• Active in personal recovery by participating in practices that support self-care, health and overall well- being.
• Valid Alaska driver’s license.
• Use of personal vehicle.
• Must be able to pass alcohol and drug screen.

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Basic understanding of substance abuse level of care as defined by ASAM.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize and schedule work.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations.
• Working knowledge of HIPAA.
• Maintain current knowledge of program rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Correct usage of grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
• Ability to work independently and seek supervision appropriately.

COMPETENCIES

• Engages peers in collaborative and caring relationships.
• Provides support.
• Shares lived experiences of recovery.
• Personalizes peer support.
• Supports recovery planning.
• Links to resources, services and supports.
• Provides information about skills related to health, wellness and recovery.
• Helps peers to manage crisis.
• Values communication.
• Supports collaboration and teamwork.
• Promotes leadership and advocacy.
• Promotes growth and development.

FULL TIME BENEFITS

• ICHRA Coverage for Employee Health Insurance Policy Reimbursement (Health Insurance Policy Reimbursement)
• 401K Plan - 100% Match Up To 5%
• Life & ADD Insurance Policy 100% covered by employer
• Vision and Dental Policy 90% covered by employer
• 10 Paid Holidays a Year
• Paid Time Off Accrual
• Paid Training and Credentialing
• Short term and long-term disability
• Monthly cash stipend
• Supplemental benefits including critical illness insurance, accident insurance and hospital indemnity

AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT

The relationship between you and the True North Recovery Inc. is referred to as "employment at will." This means that your employment can be terminated at any time for any reason, with or without cause, with or without notice, by you or the True North Recovery Inc. . No representative of True North Recovery Inc. has authority to enter into any agreement contrary to the foregoing "employment at will" relationship. You understand that your employment is "at will," and that you acknowledge that no oral or written statements or representations regarding your employment can alter your at-will employment status.