Peer Support Specialist (PSS)

POSITION SUMMARY The Peer Support Specialist will provide Peer Recovery Support Services acting as a mentor and guide forthose at any of the stages of change. The peer specialist promotes recovery by supporting a peer to remove or minimize barriers, connect to the recovery community and engage in self-directed services. This offers a unique opportunity to build relationships of equality, trust and confidence in which a peer specialist values each individual’s beliefs and supports them in mapping out a self-directed journey. RESPONSIBILITIES: Support peer voice and peer choice Serve as a role model who shares personal strengths and skills as well as the knowledge that recovery is possible for everyone Support the values of Communities for Recovery, abide by the State of Texas Peer Specialist Code of Ethics, and maintains peer specialist state certification Model, advocate, and promote peer values within the community Punctual attendance to all required meetings and appointments Maintain a recovery circle of twenty to twenty-five “active” participants that ensures frequency of engagement is appropriate to the level of support needed for participant goals Provide an average of 4 hours of direct service daily. Direct service includes individual sessions, telephonic support, program meetings, support groups, and social activities. Ensure the completion of deliverables as defined by their funder’s contract. This may include assessments such as the GPRA, BARC 10, or monthly CMBHS documentation. Regularly engages supervisor in review of activities, engagements, and progress of their peer circle and requests support when needed. Assist participants in developing and maintaining recovery action plans by supporting them in identifying personal strengths, interests, social relationships, hopes, and sources of well-being, as well as knowledge and skills Inform and role model accessing community opportunities and resources that align with their goals and interests Provide recovery support services in the areas of emotional, instrumental, informational, and affiliational support at a dosage and frequency comparable to peer needs Ensure privacy and confidentiality of information is maintained Maintain accurate and timely documentation of demographic information, intakes, engagements, sessions, referrals, assessments, and recovery action plans. Other duties as assigned QUALIFICATIONS Understands and can apply in their work the following Peer Support Principles: Recovery-Oriented, Person-Centered, Relationship-Focused, Trauma-Informed, Voluntary, Self Determination and supports Dignity of Risk. Has knowledge of all pathways to recovery and is fully supportive of a participant’s right to have their own self-directed recovery pathway. Be strong in their belief that people can move forward in self-direct life in recovery - and have the ability to convey this perspective to others Communication skills that foster healthy relationships, build rapport, promote trust, and support individuals in their person-centered recovery Possess effective communication skills with participants, team members, partners, and the community Ability to work in a collaborative environment as a productive team member Work independently and possess strong time management skills Be able to communicate in a friendly and informative manner with people from a wide variety of cultural, socio-economic, lifestyles, and ethnic backgrounds Have the ability to express themselves in both written and verbal communication Be able to effectively use and/or learn to use computers, mobile devices, tablets, and program related software Understand and ensure the ethical practices of a Peer Support Specialist Knowledge and ability to competently access and navigate community resources Maintain personal and professional boundaries, model self-care, and personal recovery JOB SUPPORTS & TRAINING PROVIDED Direct supervision from a Peer Specialist Supervisor Training specific to the Peer Specialist role Weekly support and feedback sessions with a Peer Specialists Team EXPERIENCE Required: Must be a person with lived experience and currently in self-directed recovery Background check free of arrests/convictions related to assault and/or endangering the safety of others (arrests/convictions older than two years will be considered on an individual basis) Must have obtained or is in the process of receiving a Recovery Support Peer Specialist (RSPS), Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS), or Justice Involved Recovery Peer Specialist (JIRPS) State of Texas Certification (See License /Certificate information.) Preferred One year of experience working with people in recovery LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Texas driver’s license Certified State of Texas Recovery Support Peer Specialist (RSPS) or approved by the Texas Certification Board to begin 250-hour internship toward Full RSPS Certification WORKING CONDITIONS: Community and office environment Some local travel required Pay $41,600-45,760 yearly DOE Benefits: Health insurance Dental insurance Vision insurance Paid time off Paid holidays DISCLAIMER: All statements are intended to describe the generic nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job description. They are not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees in this classification. #J-18808-Ljbffr