Peer Support Specialist

About the Role

Offers support and encouragement to individuals dealing with mental health or substance use challenges. Drawing from personal experience and specialized training to help clients navigate their recovery journey, foster a supportive environment, and connect them with resources and services.

Responsibilities

• Provides direct peer support to clients engaged in recovery services, including linkages to employment, education, housing, and community resources.
• Assists clients in setting and pursuing their recovery goals.
• Functions as a role model to clients.
• Serves as a liaison to providers and treatment team.
• Develops and maintains relationships with clients while maintaining healthy and professional boundaries.
• Provides motivational interviewing, community living skills, social, and emotional support.
• Assists clients in building social and interpersonal skills that will enhance employment opportunities.
• Helps clients understand and employ recovery strategies.
• Maintains an active awareness of the peer support services available in the state of Alaska.
• Works to motivate clients through positive means, highlighting strengths and resources.
• Models and teaches clients vital life skills that will aid in their success.
• Advocates for clients in treatment settings and within the community.
• Shares lived experiences and assists in community, relationship, and skill building.
• Interacts with clients in a manner conducive to their safety, dignity, privacy, and security.
• Attends staff meetings and works collaboratively with other staff in case staffing/review.
• Engages in all assigned peer outreach and service activities in the community.
• Completes timely documentation in client’s EHR, using DAP note format for each recovery service provided.
• Demonstrates ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Under guidance of Peer Support Supervisor, promotes and provides peer support programs and community support groups.
• Administers UAs and breathalyzers as needed.
• Participates in weekly clinical supervision.
• Exhibits competency in personal recovery and use of coping skills.
• Attends weekly house meetings.
• Schedules weekly with clients at house meetings.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Ability to obtain Peer Support Certification with the State of Alaska within 3 years of hire date.
• Lived experience in addiction recovery, and 6 months continuous sobriety prior to hire.
• Employment is contingent upon receipt of a satisfactory state and federal background check.
• Active in personal recovery by participating in practices that support self-care, health, and overall well-being.
• Valid Alaska driver’s license.
• Use of personal vehicle.
• Must be able to pass alcohol and drug screen.

Preferred Skills

• Basic understanding of substance abuse level of care as defined by ASAM.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize and schedule work.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations.
• Working knowledge of HIPAA.
• Maintain current knowledge of program rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Correct usage of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
• Ability to work independently and seek supervision appropriately.

Competencies

• Engages peers in collaborative and caring relationships.
• Provides support.
• Shares lived experiences of recovery.
• Personalizes peer support.
• Supports recovery planning.
• Links to resources, services, and supports.
• Provides information about skills related to health, wellness, and recovery.
• Helps peers to manage crisis.
• Values communication.
• Supports collaboration and teamwork.
• Promotes leadership and advocacy.
• Promotes growth and development.

Benefits

• ICHRA Coverage for Employee Health Insurance Policy Reimbursement.
• 401K Plan - 100% Match Up To 5%.
• Life & ADD Insurance Policy 100% covered by employer.
• Vision and Dental Policy 90% covered by employer.
• 10 Paid Holidays a Year.
• Paid Time Off Accrual.
• Paid Training and Credentialing.
• Short-term and long-term disability.
• Monthly cash stipend.
• Supplemental benefits including critical illness insurance, accident insurance, and hospital indemnity.

Physical Requirements

This role is primarily performed in an office building with standard office environment and controlled temperatures. When working outdoors or at a job site, the employee may be exposed to construction equipment or other moving objects/equipment. The employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 50 lbs. Employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, talk/hear, see, read, and personally interact with others.