Peer Support Specialist - Statewide

The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) is integral to the Building Communities of Recovery initiative, dedicated to supporting individuals aged 12 and older as they navigate the complexities of the behavioral health system. This role focuses on empowering youth and adults in recovery by providing essential support and resources. The PSS assists clients in accessing community services such as food vouchers, housing, employment services, childcare, and broader social services, tailored to the unique needs of the adolescent and adult populations.

In this dynamic role, the PSS facilitates psycho-educational groups, implements tailored recovery/care plans, and connects individuals to critical support services. Through education and empowerment, the PSS helps clients develop robust, stable recovery support systems, incorporating self-care and self-awareness practices, motivation, coping skills, and the benefits of sustained recovery.

The PSS is committed to offering high-quality, appropriate services while maintaining professional standards, focusing on the holistic development of clients and fostering an environment conducive to long-term recovery. This position requires a deep understanding of the challenges faced by younger individuals in recovery and a dedicated approach to their unique developmental needs.

This position is primarily day shift Monday through Friday but may include occasional nights and weekends as needed.

Requirements

General Accountabilities

Meet with clients as assigned, maintain appropriate written records. Advocate for individual and community needs. Serve clients by offering psycho-education groups and service linkage as specified on the care plan. In addition, the PSS will:

• Provide culturally appropriate recovery education and support
• Provide wellness education and offers health promotion and disease prevention.
• Provides individualized client/family education customized to the client and support system.
• Refer and link clients to appropriate services, clinical and/or medical services as needed within the agency and in the community in an appropriate and timely manner.
• Collaborate with the clients care team to develop a plan that is 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 on the value and benefits of Harm Reduction approaches.
• Assist the team with outreach and education services.

Job Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience in the SUD field required - can be lived experience
• Certified Peer Support Specialist preferred or will obtain when qualifications for the credentials are met.

Travel Requirements

This position requires frequent travel throughout the state to fulfill job duties. The successful candidate must possess a valid driver’s license and have access to reliable transportation. This role is ideal for someone comfortable with regular driving and capable of managing a flexible schedule based on the needs of our operations and client locations.

Required Experience

This position is open to individuals who self-identify as being in recovery. Your lived experience and personal understanding of the recovery process are essential in providing authentic support and guidance to those we serve.

Skills

• Strong knowledge of Substance Use Disorder Approaches & Principles, Harm Reduction Strategies, and best practices for justice involved clients
• Familiar with Recovery Education and different recovery support programs
• Ability to demonstrate skill in understanding and delivering services customized to client needs
• Able to recognize different value systems while holding strongly to professional ethics
• Ability to 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
• Working knowledge about the impact of cultural beliefs on health, disease and treatment and the socioeconomic factors of health, disease and treatment
• Strong 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