DRC Peer Support Specialist

Peer Specialist

This individual is responsible for providing support services, mentorship, and advocacy for persons in recovery from a substance use disorder. This individual is skilled at developing supportive and authentic peer relationships, maintaining ethical and professional boundaries, and respecting each individual's unique path to recovery. Under the supervision of the Program Director, Clinical Supervisor, or designee additional duties include: collecting and disseminating information and recovery resources; providing flexible peer support; assisting individuals in developing and adhering to recovery plans; assisting individuals in accessing community resources; and reinforcing skills and strategies supportive of recovery. Work is performed in accordance with established regulations, and policies and procedures; however, this individual is expected to exercise considerable initiative and independent judgment in achieving objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Treat all clients and staff with dignity and respect
• Maintain professional ethical boundaries and the confidentiality of all individuals supported
• Assist individuals in recovery with articulating their personal goal(s) for recovery and developing their individualized recovery/aftercare plan
• Identify and support linkages to community resources that support the individual's goals and interests
• Identify barriers to full participation in community resources and work with individuals to develop strategies to overcome those barriers
• Liaison with established community support groups and advocate for effective recovery-based services
• Role model and assist individuals with effective techniques for coping, self-advocacy, problem-solving, and self-help
• Assist individuals in building and reinforcing newly learned social skills in the community that will enhance their job acquisition and tenure
• Accompany recovering person to appointments, meetings, and other events in the community, as needed
• Attend the treatment team meetings to promote individuals' use of self-advocacy and self-directed recovery tools and support individuals in presenting their own agenda/progress, etc. at the team meeting
• Coordinate with treatment team to communicate the progress that the person in recovery makes toward meeting their objectives
• Monitor urinalysis testing of clients, as needed
• Other duties as assigned by the Clinical Supervisor, Program Director, or Designee

Our Mission

Gaudenzia helps individuals and families affected by drug and alcohol dependency, mental illness and related conditions to achieve a better quality of life and become accountable individuals. This is accomplished through a continuum of care leading to long-term recovery guided by a philosophy of mutual concern, personal responsibility, and research and community education.

Pay Grade 3

Employment Status Full-Time

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Knowledge of services, community resources, and regulations pertaining to recovery and co-occurring disorders
• Knowledge of and commitment to recovery community
• Ability to develop positive, ethical therapeutic relationships with individuals and promote their personal growth while maintaining confidentiality
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to convey relevant personal recovery experience in an authentic and effective manner
• Ability to successfully work with others from various cultures and backgrounds
• Ability to plan and organize work and prepare appropriate, accurate records and reports
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, staff, health care providers, outside agencies, institutions and the general public
• Ability to transport clients to appointments using company vehicles
• Skilled at using computers, including familiarity and faculty with Microsoft Office programs like Word and Excel

Job Competencies

• Results Accountability: Demonstrating capacity for effective action and accomplishment; assuming responsibility for successfully completing assignments or tasks
• Collaboration: Facilitating the achievement of team goals; developing and using collaborative relationships to facilitate team and organizational goal achievement

Functional

• Service Orientation: Making clients and their needs a primary focus of one's actions; developing and sustaining productive client relationships; taking responsibility for client satisfaction and loyalty

Physical Demands

• Must be able to have clarity of vision of 20 inches or less
• Must be able to ascend/ descend stairs
• Must be able to push/ pull
• Must be able to stand/ sit for extended period with reasonable breaks
• Must be able to reach overhead and bend/ stoop

Minimum Requirements

• Education/ Training: Must have high school diploma/G.E.D. and have and have acquired or meet the qualifications for certification as a Certified Recovery Specialist
• Experience: At least 12 months of related experience

Gaudenzia is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Gaudenzia is an equal opportunity employer and