Outpatient Peer Support Specialist, Part-time

We are seeking an experienced Peer Support Specialist to join the team at our Windhaven Center location at 3347 N. Windsong Dr. in Prescott Valley. Peer Support Certification is required for this position.
At Polara Health, our mission is to provide accessible, compassionate whole person care that strengthens our community. The Peer Support Specialist will directly engage with clients in the community, helping them on their journey towards recovery. This position works 25 hours per week, M-F.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Peer Support Specialist is an active member of the Peer Program and provides personal and social support to clients in need of behavioral health and/or substance use disorders services. The Peer Support Specialist will function as a role model to peers; exhibiting competency in personal recovery and use of coping skills; serve as a consumer advocate, providing consumer information and peer support for clients in outpatient and inpatient settings. The PSS performs a wide range of tasks to assist peers of all ages, from young adult to old age, to more effectively utilize the services, assisting with understanding and coping with the stressors of the individual’s disability. These services are coupled with specific, skill-based training and services documented in a treatment plan with the goal of long term, sustainable recovery.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with the client’s treatment team to support the client in working toward service plan goals
• Share their lived experience appropriately to provide client with hope in their recovery journey
• Teach and use recovery principles in supporting clients individually, in groups, and telephonically
• Assess correctly and provide appropriate care to clients in crisis, following Polara Health procedure
• Reflect positive peer values that include non-hierarchy and mutuality when appropriate;
• Act as a positive role model for individuals, showing a strength based approach to recovery and resilience
• Interact with clients and co-workers to promote behaviors that combat stigma
• Act as an advocate for individuals when appropriate, both within the organization and also with other entities
• Adhere to all applicable laws and regulations, including HIPAA, mandated reporting, ADA, and state and federal legislation
• Completes all necessary documentation correctly and in timely manner
• Adhere to Polara Health policies and procedures
• Attend mandatory meetings, staffing, and trainings
• Engage in monthly supervision to discuss clients, self-care and training requirements
• Adhere to Polara Health policy regarding professional boundaries and ethics unique to the role of PSS
• Must embrace the mission/vision of Polara Health
• Maintaining proficient knowledge of organization’s history, programs, and goals
• Demonstrate professional conduct at all time
• Perform other related duties as requested

QUALIFICATIONS

· 21 years of age or older; or minimum 18 years old and licensed or certified under A.R.S. Title 32 and providing services within the personnel member’s scope of practice; or minimum 18 years old for select administrative positions

· Must be able to provide or obtain an AZDPS Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card

· Must possess and maintain a valid Driver License, current automobile insurance, and a driving record that meets the guidelines and requirements of the organization

• Minimum of a High School Diploma or GED required
• Peer Support Certification required
• Is or has been a recipient of behavioral health services and has an experience of recovery to share
• Proficient with MS Office Suite
• Display a positive attitude, show concern for people and community, demonstrate good listening ability

CORE COMPETENCIES

· People – Passionately believes in people and embraces diversity

· Integrity – Does the right thing even when no one is looking

· Learning – Challenges old paradigms with critical thinking, curiosity and creativity

· Accountability – Sets an intentional culture of personal responsibility; believes everyone carries the load

· Relationships – Serves colleagues and consumers with love, empathy and compassion

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical and working demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· Office environment, travel within the community, as needed

· Heavy exposure/use of computers, cell phones, office phones, etc.

· Ability to sit for prolonged periods throughout work hours

· Must be able to occasionally lift and/or move 5 or more pounds

· Must be able to respond appropriately and effectively in crisis situations by using good judgment and following Polara Health protocols

This position is considered Safety-Sensitive by Polara Health.

Polara Health subscribes to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity. Polara Health’s policy is to provide employment, compensation, and other benefits related to employment based on qualifications, without regard to ancestry, age, color, disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Polara Health intends to comply fully with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, and the information requested on this application will be used only for purposes consistent with those laws.

In accordance with requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Polara Health’s policy is to provide reasonable accommodation for applicants requesting accommodation(s) during the application process, so the applicant may be given a full and fair opportunity to be considered for employment. If any candidate needs a reasonable accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify Polara Health in any of the following ways: by calling View phone number on click.appcast.io, U.S. Mail, or hand deliver to Polara Health 3343 N. Windsong Drive, Prescott Valley, AZ 86314 Attention: Human Resources Job Applicant Request.

Employment is contingent on background checks as required by Polara Health’s policies which may include: Fingerprint Clearance, Drug Test, Criminal History, Driving History Record, Sex Offender Registry Search, Department of Child Services, State Central Registry Check, Employment Verification, Education Verification, and Professional References.

We Offer the Following Benefits to Part Time and PRN Employees:

Employee Assistance Program * 401(k) * Sick Pay * Shift Pay (for select inpatient and residential positions) * Educational Reimbursement

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities


This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.