Peer Support Specialist - Harm Reduction/Outreach - Statewide

The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) plays a crucial role in the recovery process as individuals attempt to navigate the behavioral health system. The PSS assists in this process by supporting and assisting clients in gaining entitlements and accessing resources within the community such as food vouchers, housing, linkage to employment services, childcare, and social services. The PSS provides guidance and assists clients in overcoming challenges in their recovery journey and facilitates psycho-education groups, implements recovery/care plans, and connects individuals to support services. The PSS educates and empowers individuals by assisting them in developing a strong, stable recovery support system. The PSS does this by assisting individuals with self-care and self-awareness, encouragement and support, teaching coping skills, and the positive benefits of long-term recovery. The PSS is responsible for providing quality, sufficient and appropriate services and for maintaining high professional standards.

Comply with all IMPACT Life policies and procedures. Meet with clients as assigned, maintain appropriate written records. Advocate for individual and community needs. Treat clients using psycho-education groups and service linkage as specified on treatment plan. Participate in IMPACT Life committees and subcommittees. Assist the Harm Reduction team with outreach and education services. Provide culturally appropriate education and counsel clients about plans of care, health promotion and disease prevention. Provide individualized client/family education customized to the client and support system. Refer and link clients to appropriate services, clinical and/or medical staff as needed within the agency and in the community in an accurate and timely manner. Collaborate with the treatment team to develop a plan of care individualized for the client. Educate client on non-pharmacologic approaches to disease and symptom management. Maintain confidentiality in matters related to client and family. Provide care in a non-judgmental, non-discriminatory manner that is sensitive to the client’s diversity, preserving their autonomy, dignity and rights. Report any change in condition to appropriate personnel. Educate others on the value and benefits of Harm Reduction approaches.

Requirements

High School Diploma/GED required. Associate’s degree in behavioral science preferred. 2 years’ experience in the drug and alcohol field (can be lived experience) and within 1 year must be prepared to take and pass the CPRS exam. Continued training and certification is required.

Skills and Knowledge Required: Know Drug and Alcohol Treatment principles, standards and EBPs. Know best practices for criminal justice clients, Drug and Alcohol Clinical Practices and community resources. Demonstrate skill in understanding and delivering services customized to client needs. Recognize different value systems while holding strongly to professional ethics. Practice with honesty, integrity, respect and compassion for clients and their support systems. Demonstrate punctuality, reliability, responsibility, willingness to do more when needed. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrate knowledge about the impact of cultural beliefs on health, disease and treatment and the socioeconomic factors of health, disease and treatment. Demonstrate an understanding of population specific factors that affect disease prevention, incidence, diagnosis, treatment and outcomes and tailor appropriate care to specific patient populations.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)

• Retirement Plan (401k, ROTH 401K)
• Paid Time Off
• 11 Paid Holiday's Yearly
• Training & Development
• Wellness Resources

Application Deadline: November 18, 2024, 5:00 PM EST