PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST

About the role

The City of Poulsbo operates a Recovery Resource Center (RRC) and a Recovery Cafe. The RRC and Café serve individuals with substance use disorders who are seeking recovery services. Visitors to the RRC/Cafe access a variety of services including peer support, support groups, substance use disorder services, mental health counseling, basic medical care, and connection to telehealth providers. The aim of the Center and Cafe is to promote recovery by creating a safe, supportive and healing environment for those affected by drug and alcohol use—and promote long term transformation through relationships and evidence-based practices.

Responsibilities

• Work with individuals that are in recovery from or struggling with addiction, mental health, and/or behavioral health concerns to provide support and referral services.
• Maintain weekly contact with assigned members (when appropriate).
• Submit data and other reporting in a timely fashion.
• Develop relationships with community partners including first responders and co-responders who utilize the Center.
• Collaborate with other peers and providers as requested in providing support to those at the Center.
• Support groups at Cafe by attending meetings and working with group facilitators; there may be opportunities to lead your own group.
• Aid Center Manager with upkeep and maintenance duties at Center.
• Attend on-going training programs offered to enhance effectiveness of role.
• Attend regular supervisory meetings with Peer Support Supervisor.
• Transport members to appointments using a city vehicle.

Requirements

• Current schedule: Mondays 3 PM - 5 PM; Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays 10 AM - 4:30 PM; Occasional alternative Wednesday schedule afternoons/evenings 2:00 PM - 8:30 PM.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Previous experience working with people struggling with substance use disorders and/or mental health issues required.
• Lived experience in recovery from substance use disorder, with a minimum of one year of sustained recovery.
• Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) or be willing to obtain CPS status within 6 months of employment (City will cover the cost of training).
• Proficient level of ability with computer software: Microsoft Office Products.

Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of recovery principles (hope, self-determination, empowerment, person-centered).
• Knowledge and understanding of substance use disorders and mental health conditions.
• Knowledge and understanding of trauma-informed care principles.
• Knowledge and understanding of harm reduction strategies.
• Knowledge of local treatment, recovery, and community resources.
• Knowledge and understanding of confidentiality laws, ethical guidelines for peer support, and appropriate professional boundaries.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention principles, suicide prevention and risk identification, and understanding of de-escalation strategies.
• Strong active listening and reflective listening skills.
• Encouraging self-advocacy and empowerment.
• Recognizing early crisis warning signs.
• Maintaining accurate and timely documentation, coordinate services, and make referrals.
• Strategically using lived experience to support others.
• Facilitating recovery groups or peer-led meetings.
• Built appropriate, trusting, nonjudgmental relationships.
• Working effectively with people of diverse cultural, racial, ethnic, gender, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Adapting communication styles to meet the needs of different individuals.
• Maintaining professional healthy boundaries and managing time effectively.
• Working both independently and under supervision.
• Performing emergency response duties in the event of a local emergency or disaster.

Benefits

This position is not eligible for benefits. 01 A completed application is required to be considered for this position. Resumes and cover letters cannot replace the application, but you may bring them to your interview if invited.

Contact Information

Please briefly tell us why you want to work for the City of Poulsbo and specifically in this position.

Application Instructions

Do you understand and agree?

1. Yes
2. No

Additional Information

Do you have a high school diploma or GED equivalent?

1. Yes
2. No

Additional Information

Do you have previous experience working with people struggling with substance use disorders and/or mental health issues (required)?

1. Yes
2. No

Additional Information

Do you have lived experience in recovery from substance use disorder, with a minimum of one year of sustained recovery?

1. Yes
2. No

Additional Information

Are you a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) or be willing to obtain CPS status within 6 months of employment (City will cover the cost of training)?

1. Yes
2. No

Additional Information

Do you consider yourself at a proficient level of ability with computer software: Microsoft Office Products?

1. Yes
2. No

Additional Information

Do you have training in suicide prevention, situational awareness, de-escalation, trauma informed/responsive care, cultural competency, motivational interviewing preferred (opportunities to develop these, and other competencies will be provided)?

1. Yes
2. No