The Peer Support Specialist provides flexible, community based services that are designed to promote the empowerment, recovery, and community integration of individuals who have drug or alcohol addiction or those that are dually diagnosed with addiction and mental illness. The Peer Support Specialist facilitates opportunities for individuals receiving service to direct their own recovery and advocacy process and the development of a sense of wellness and self-worth.
 
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:
Applies general knowledge of recovery services to complete small projects or conduct a series of tasks with a limited degree of supervision. This Peer Support Specialist works under the direction of the Treatment Court Manager.

• Works with participants to identify, develop, and access resources to increase success in community integration and community inclusion;
• Supports and teaches recovery and recovery tools and models;
• Facilitates the participant's self-review of progress;
• Assesses participants hopes, strengths, accomplishments and challenges in order to achieve stated goals;
• Develops the recovery plan and support system in order to support participant in becoming self-sufficient;
• Supports participants in the self-management of critical or crisis situations;
• Supports participants in the coordinating and arranging of services or resources to achieve goals;
• Assists in preparation and recording of the peer support recovery plan, encounter notes, and other documents that verify service delivery;
• Escorts and ensures participant safety when attending events, visits, and other interactions as necessary.

 
ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

• Perform related functions as assigned.

• Minimum of a High School Diploma or GED;
• Associates Degree in a Human Services related field preferred;
• Experience in community networking and resource development preferred;
• Certified Recovery Coach (CRC) or Certified Peer Recovery Coach (CPRC) under the auspices of the Idaho Board of Alcohol/Drug Counselor Certification;
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license;
• Demonstrated knowledge of the local Behavioral Health System and Community Resources;
• Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries while developing healthy, supportive relationships;
• Ability to work with clients who are often in crisis;
• Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of individuals including program colleagues, judges, prosecutors, legal defenders, case managers, treatment providers and client population; 
• Ability to independently plan, organize and accomplish work assignments;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality;
• Ability to operate and utilize computer applications necessary to perform job functions to include MS Office programs;
• Ability to create read and send e-mail.

 
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• This position may include some evening work as needed; 
• The incumbent is subject to a background check;
• This position has been designated safety sensitive and therefore the incumbent is subject to random drug testing.

• Work is performed primarily in an office environment and the employee in this class is subject to inside environmental conditions;
• May be required to lift up to 20 lbs.;
• Requires sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, which permits the employee to function in a general office environment to accomplish tasks.

 
DISCLAIMER:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the primary job responsibilities satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being assigned to this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of individuals in the job. This job description is not an employment agreement and/or an expressed or implied employment contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice. Ada County provides Veteran's Preference for all County jobs except for those deemed "key positions" in accordance with Title 65, Chapter 5 of Idaho Code.