Peer Support Specialist

POSITION TITLE: Lead Recovery Support Technician II/Peer Support LOCATION: Murray, KY STATUS: Full-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt PROGRAM: Recovery Community Center REPORTS TO: Program Manager INTRODUCTION: Volunteers of America Mid-States (VOA) is a non-profit group that works in four states. We help people and communities by offering important services. We provide housing for families, veterans, and low-income seniors. We also support people with developmental disabilities, offer restorative justice programs, and give free HIV testing and education. VOA started in 1896. Back then, the word "volunteer" meant someone who helped others as their life’s work. Today, our team is made up of caring, mission-driven professionals who work hard to make a difference and build strong communities. Our staff values flexibility, teamwork, and having fun at work. We also offer a full benefits package to employees who qualify. BENEFITS: Volunteers of America Mid-States, offers a rich and robust benefits package the supports a healthy work life balance, which include the following: Health and Wellness Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Health & Wellness Program Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Health Savings Account (HSA) Short-Term Disability Legal Services (MetLife Legal Plan) Financial Support Competitive Pay Company-Paid Life Insurance 403(b) Retirement Plan with Company Match Employee Discounts Student Loan Forgiveness Options (National Health Service Corps & Public Service Loan Forgiveness) All insurance and paid time off benefits start on your first day Positive Work Culture Commitment, Justice, Integrity, and Compassion Committees Retention Committee JOB SUMMARY AND QUALIFICATIONS: Provide Peer Support for persons in Recovery. Individual must have an understanding of and respect for each individual’s unique path to recovery. Specialist must have a working knowledge of the drug and alcohol treatment system and a demonstrated commitment to the recovery community. The Recovery Specialist’s role is to support others in recovery from a substance use disorder. The Recovery Specialist will serve as a role model, mentor, advocate and motivator to recovering individuals in order to help prevent relapse and promote long-term recovery. The Recovery Specialist must demonstrate an ability to share personal recovery experiences and to develop authentic peer to-peer relationships. WHAT YOU SHOULD HAVE: High School Graduate or GED; Ky Certified peer support specialist; Valid KY. Driver’s License and current automobile insurance required. Preferred applicants with 2 years of demonstrated, successful, sustained recovery. Minimum of 1 year of sobriety. Familiar with MS office. Proficient with MS Outlook, Word, PowerPoint RESPONSIBILITES: 1. Maintain project logs, reports and records in appropriate files and database(s). 2. Provide recovery education to service recipients for every phase of the recovery journey from pre-recovery engagement, recovery initiation, recovery stabilization, and sustained recovery maintenance. 3. Provide a model for both people in recovery and staff by demonstrating that recovery is possible. 4. Assist recovering persons to identify their personal interests, goals, strengths and weaknesses regarding recovery. 5. Assist/coach recovering persons develop their own plan for advancing their recovery; for “getting the life they want.” 6. Recovery Planning -- facilitate (via personal coaching) the transition from a professionally directed service plan to a self-directed Recovery Plan. The goal should be to transition from professionally assisted recovery initiation to personally directed, community supported recovery maintenance. 7. Promote self-advocacy by assisting recovering persons to have their voices fully heard; their needs, goals and objectives established as the focal point of rehabilitation and clinical service. 8. 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. 9. Support connections to community based, mutual self-help 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.). 10. Develop relationships with community groups/agencies in partnership with others in the agency. 11. As recovery specialist position evolves and knowledge increases, visit community resources with recovering persons to assist them in becoming familiar with potential opportunities. 12. Identify barriers (internal and external) to full participation in community resources and developing strategies to overcome those barriers. 13. Maintain contact by phone and/or e-mail with recovering person after they leave the program to insure their ongoing success and to provide re-engagement support in partnership with others in the agency if needed. Long-term engagement, support, and encouragement. 14. Other duties as directed by Executive Director and/or Management Staff. 15.Develop, implement, and promote ongoing community training opportunities, We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.