Peer Support Specialist

About the role

The Re-Entry and Rehabilitation Division within the Utah Department of Corrections is seeking applicants for the position of Certified Peer Support Specialist. This position provides peer support coaching for justice-involved individuals using their lived experience in addiction recovery and criminal justice involvement to promote recovery and resilience.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate the Re-Entry and Rehabilitation Division's vision of a safer Utah by providing opportunities for recovery and resiliency.
• Deliver peer support coaching to substance use clients preparing for or currently on parole.
• Engage clients individually and in classes to instill hope, encourage personal responsibility for recovery, and facilitate the development of recovery goals.
• Model competency in recovery and ongoing coping skills, sharing relevant parts of one's recovery story with clients.
• Observe, record, and report client behavior and progress.
• Respect and advocate for all pathways to recovery, including substance use treatment, medication-assisted treatment, and harm reduction.
• Maintain appropriate boundaries and confidentiality.
• Develop trust with clients and respond appropriately to difficult situations.

Qualifications

• Certification as a Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) from a DHHS-approved agency.
• Minimum 5 years in active recovery, comfortable sharing brief recovery experience.
• Previous history of incarceration, with 5 years post-incarceration and successful termination of parole or probation.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to maintain accurate documentation.
• Ability to work both independently and with a team.
• Understanding of protecting participant confidentiality.
• Familiarity with motivational interviewing techniques.
• Knowledgeable and accepting of all recovery pathways.
• Understanding of and ability to maintain appropriate boundaries.
• Adaptability in a diverse environment and under challenging circumstances.