Peer Support Specialist I

PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST

EMERGENCY SERVICES

General Description:

Deliver services by providing support, education, outreach, training and follow-up to overdose survivors in the County. As an active member of the R.E.S.T.A.R.T. Program, this position works closely with the Program Coordinator, Community Paramedic, Public Health Nurse, DSS SW. Work is performed under the general supervision of the RESTART Program Coordinator.

Essential Job Functions:

Works closely with the, Community Paramedic, Public Health Nurse as an active member of the R.E.S.T.A.R.T. Program. Connects with overdose survivors within 24-72 hours of the overdose incident (along with additional members of the RESTART Program). Provides harm reduction education, outreach and naloxone administration training to individuals. Promotes wellness management strategies, assisting in delivering therapeutic interventions (e.g., Wellness Recovery Action Planning or Illness Management and Recovery) and employment services. Coordinates and facilitates harm reduction peer support group meetings; encourages individuals to attend training sessions and support group meetings. Maintains a record of individuals connected to support and services; prepares and submits documentation accurately and on time. Attends the conferences and other identified meetings and trainings. Potentially works within the jail, local hospitals and/or other community partners to provide peer support care as needed. Models recovery values, attitudes, beliefs and personal action to encourage wellness and resilience. Assists clients by finding resources, advising the consumer of processes and encouraging follow-through with proposed resolutions, locating social activities or other assistance as needed. Models effective coping and self-help techniques to individuals or groups of consumers. This position will work closely with the priority population by maintaining contact with and consistently evaluating the stage of change for each individual. As a peer resource, this individual will have lived experience with substance use disorders and have the ability to receive any credentialing that CCES sees needed.

Other Job Functions: Performs related duties as required. Administration reserves the right to add or amend duties at any time.

• High School Diploma or GED or equivalent
• 1-year experience working with persons with substance use dependency
• Certified as a NC Peer Support Specialist or 1 continuous year as a former recipient of substance abuse treatment and eligibility for certification as NC Certified Peer Support Specialist.
• Valid drivers' license
• Ability to pass background check and drug screen
• CPR, First Aid, a plus.

Lived Experience: Caldwell County R.E.S.T.A.R.T. encourages individuals with lived experience to apply. This includes individuals who have undertaken their own recovery journey or supported someone through a recovery journey from mental health conditions, suicidal struggles, and/or substance abuse. The applicant should show the capacity to draw upon and use their own lived experiences to help others and prevent suicide and substance abuse and promote mental wellness.