Hiring Bonus!!

Peer Support Specialist

Location: Pierre, SD

Agency: Capital Area Counseling Service

Employment Category: Full-time

Employment Type: Hourly

Starting Wage: $19.10

Benefits: health, dental and life insurance coverage; participation in the agency 401K retirement plan; paid holidays; vacation and sick leave; and a family membership to the YMCA

Position Description

The Peer Support Specialist will provide support and guidance to individuals with a substance use disorder using a strengths-based approach and client centered care. Through collaboration with a peer support specialist, clients will learn strategies for meeting their own needs and pursuing individual recovery goals. The peer support specialist will use his/her own experience to guide the client through his/her recovery.

Duties / Responsibilities:

• Provide direct client services and collaborate with other clinicians to support clients in identifying and connecting to community resources.
• Promote self-directed recovery/wellness through client advocacy and liaison services.
• Attend appointments and meetings with clients for medical or behavioral health services.
• Support clients in a holistic approach to recovery and wellness.
• Educate and empower through shared experiences.
• Provide support in crisis situations.
• Assist in the orientation process for participants who are new to the treatment programs.
• Facilitate and/or Co-facilitate recovery support groups, as assigned.
• Provide education and advocacy within the community and agency that promotes awareness of substance use disorders and criminal thinking while reducing misconceptions, prejudice, and discrimination.
• Maintain group and individual supportive interaction with participants, their families and social supports.
• Complete and maintain documentation required by the State or other funding sources and track all deadlines.
• Recognize and adhere to professional and personal boundaries.
• Adhere to all agency policies and state and federal laws regarding confidentiality of medical records.
• Ability to work within a team including other community partner agencies and client’s family and peers.
• Work hours may include some evening and weekends.

Required Skills / Abilities:

• Knowledge of substance use disorder and mental health services.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with agency compliance plan and code of ethics.
• Ability to work as part of a team and be able to develop authentic peer-to-peer relationships.
• Excellent computer skills/proficient in computer applications, specifically MS Office.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize work.
• Problem solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Work hours may include some evening and weekend hours.
• Possess a valid driver's license.
• May need to use personal vehicle for work-related tasks and must provide proof of insurance.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma/GED.
• Minimum age: 21 years old.
• Self-attestation of ongoing recovery from a substance use disorder.
• Applicant must have at least 12consecutive months of self-directed recovery in accordance with the definition by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) on “Recovery”: “A process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.”

Physical Requirements:

• Requires periods of moving within the office and other locations.
• Requires periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.