Peer Support Specialist

Requirements

• Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist (CMPSS)
• Full Time
• Hours: Monday - Friday, 5:30 AM - 2:00 PM

Benefits

• Semi-Annual Bonus Program
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Competitive 401(k) plan
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Early morning hours offering a great work/life balance
• Opportunity for growth that is second to none in the industry

Job Responsibilities

• Provides peer support to clinically complex patients, drawing on common experiences as a peer; validates each individuals’ experiences and provides guidance and encouragement to these individuals to take responsibility and actively participate in their own recovery
• Engages patients referred to treatment at the initial point of contact, clinic or other community provider, to expedite screening for the appropriate level of care
• Acts as advocate and mentor to patients in recovery to promote decision making, empowerment and engagement
• Acts as a role model for patients by sharing effective coping techniques and self-help strategies to promote personal growth and development in handling internal and external stressors, positive health, wellness and lifestyle choices
• Provides peer support knowledge related to treatment including methadone, buprenorphine or extended-release naltrexone injection maintenance treatment
• Acts as a liaison between patients, clinical team and community resources including but not limited to:
• Assisting patients in seeking and receiving services to meet their individual social needs and provides support to facilitate patient success to maintain recovery
• Assisting in the process of acquiring housing, necessities and skills needed to maintain daily and monthly household responsibilities and independent living
• Assisting patients in establishing a relationship with a primary care provider or additional medical care in a coordinated/team approach
• Serving as linkage between patients and employers in the area to assist patients in obtaining and maintaining gainful employment
• Assisting patients with acquiring and developing life and social skills, education and other needs identified by the individual to promote quality of life after recovery
• Serves as consultants and subject matter experts in MAT and patient participation in community support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous and Celebrate Recovery
• Updates healthcare team on a regular basis as to the patient’s status, including, but not limited to changes in mood or functioning, medical issues and all crisis and health and safety issues
• Communicates all difficulties contacting patients with appropriate office staff
• Documents all “no shows,” and documents services provided regularly, concisely, and completely in accordance with clinical standards and policy guidelines
• Attends all office trainings as well as regular clinical supervision sessions with assigned supervisor
• Preforms other duties as assigned

Compensation

Compensation for roles at Escondido CTC varies depending on a wide array of factors including but not limited to the specific location, role, skill set, and level of experience. As required by local law, Escondido CTC provides a reasonable hourly range of compensation for roles that may be hired in California as set forth below.

• Role Location: California
• Calculated Salary Range for role: $25.00 - $27.00 per hour

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; college degree preferred
• No previous work experience in the field is required, although highly preferred
• Prefer direct experience in substance use disorder (SUD) through personal life experiences, instruction/internships, or similar practicum through education or certification process
• Ideal Experience
• Personal or professional experience in addiction recovery, ideally with lived experience and a demonstrated commitment to supporting others in their recovery journey
• Familiarity with Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) approaches, including methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, and the ability to support individuals engaged in MAT services
• Experience facilitating peer-led support groups or one-on-one recovery coaching, focusing on empowerment, motivation, and goal setting
• Understanding of recovery-oriented and evidence-informed practices, such as Motivational Interviewing (MI), wellness planning, and relapse prevention support (note: not expected to provide clinical therapy)
• Basic documentation skills, including progress notes and recovery plan updates, in accordance with organizational guidelines and peer support best practices
• Awareness of confidentiality and privacy standards, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, as they relate to peer support and behavioral health settings
• Demonstrated ability to work within a multidisciplinary care team, collaborating with counselors, nurses, case managers, and medical staff to support holistic recovery

Accepted Certifications

• Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist (CMPSS)