Peer Support Specialist for Health and Justice Recovery Alliance

The position will provide peer support services to impacted communities including but not limited to individuals released from the juvenile justice system, adult justice system, child welfare system and youth/adults at risk, serving as an advocate, providing information and support for clients in a variety of settings.

The Peer Support Specialist performs a wide range of tasks to support clients in living their own lives and directing their own recovery, healing, and wellness process.

The Peer Support will model competency in recovery, healing, and wellness.

Qualifications and Requirements:

- Required to complete WA State Certified Peer Counselor training within 90 days of employment and start Community Health Worker State Certification within 90 days of employment.

General qualifications for all employees:

1. Alignment with agency Core Values.

2. Positive, self-motivated, and able to work independently and well with others as a member of various teams.

3. Innovative, flexible, and willing to work with a constantly changing environment and priorities without losing enthusiasm for the organizational mission.

4. Good judgment and the ability to make timely and sound decisions.

5. Attention to detail and able to meet timely documentation requirements.

6. Strong interpersonal skills and able to work effectively with diversity of individuals at all organizational levels.

- Able to work in a cooperative and collaborative manner as a team member with

community partners, coworkers, and program participants.

- Able to work with people from diverse cultures.

- Able to form trusting relationships.

7. Experience with or knowledge of agency services and local health and human services.

8. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to read, write, and speak English. Being bilingual is preferred but not required.

9. Lived experience of mental health and/or substance use recovery and knowledge of mental health or substance use disorders services—behavioral health services.

- Confident in your own wellness.

-Able to draw on your own experience and willing to share it as appropriate.

-Passion and enthusiasm for peer support and the belief that recovery is possible.

10. Able to use a variety of computer programs and support others in doing so.

11. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and other data systems.

12. Able to work flexible hours that may include weekends.

13. Able to travel within the region using approved means.

- Valid Driver’s license, reliable transportation, insurance coverage, and appropriate

driving record.

14. Degree or credentials required for the specific position

15. Appropriate criminal background.

Specific qualifications for the Peer Support:

1. Washington Certified Peer Counselor

2. An understanding of their job and the skills to do that job.

3. Meet the competencies as outlined in SAMHSA’s Core Competencies for Peer Workers in Behavioral Health Services.

Responsibilities General responsibilities of all employees:

1. Serve as a recovery agent:

a. Teach and role model the value of every individual’s unique recovery experience.

b. Provide and advocate for effective recovery-based services.

c. Develop and share recovery-oriented material with peers and team members.

2. Act as an effective team member:

a. Communicate effectively with other team members and maintain positive working

relationships throughout the organization.

b. Maintain a working knowledge of current trends and developments in the mental health and substance use treatment fields.

c. Participate in relevant meetings, events, and trainings when appropriate.

d. Document services and supports as necessary and in a timely manner.

e. Keep an accurate record of your time.

f. Perform other duties as assigned.

Specific responsibilities of the Peer Support:

1. Through activities, classes, groups, and individual peer support, the Peer Support will support peers to:

a. Identify personal strengths.

b. Identify and overcoming barriers.

c. Identify and overcoming fears.

d. Identify and combat negative self-talk.

e. Build social skills that will support their recovery goals.

f. Practice self-advocacy.

g. Develop problem-solving techniques.

h. Create a Wellness/Recovery Action Plan

2. The Peer Support will use the SMART Goals process to:

a. Assist peers in learning how to articulate their personal goals for housing, recovery, and

wellness, including the objectives necessary to reach those goals.

b. Recognize and report progress made towards those goals.

c. Understand and utilize specific interventions necessary to support peers in meeting their

recovery and wellness goals.

3. The Peer Support will utilize their training and personal recovery experience to:

a. Lead and teach peers how to facilitate effective activities, classes, and groups.

b. Support the vocational choices peers make and support them in overcoming barriers to

obtaining or maintaining employment.

c. Support peers in obtaining safe and affordable housing of his or her choice in the most

integrated, independent, and least intrusive or restrictive environment.

d. Model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies. e. Maintain an environment that is conducive to recovery and healing.

f. Lend their unique insight into mental health and/or substance use recovery and share elements of their story when appropriate.

4. The Peer Support will promote recovery by:

a. Supporting peers in obtaining services that suit their individual recovery needs.

b. Informing peers about community and natural supports and how to develop and utilize them in the recovery process.

c. Supporting peers in developing empowerment skills through self-advocacy and the use of human experience language to combat stigma.

d. Support peers in setting up and sustaining support groups.

To learn more about what we do, visit our website: healthjusticerecoveryalliance.org

Health and Justice Recovery Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20 – 32 per week

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Day shift
• No weekends

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person