Description

As the Peer Support Specialist, you will be part of a multi-disciplinary team, which provides support to clients receiving treatment for co-occurring disorders through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The SWC SAMHSA Grant is designed to empower clients to develop healthy choices through preventive and continuous healthcare. The Southwest Center serves all people with healthcare needs while also offering a special focus on outpatient treatment for members of the LGBTQ community as well as for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). 

 
As the Peer Support Specialist, you will be under the direction of the Director of Mental and Social Wellness. You will be responsible for addressing the emotional needs of SWC clients, specifically using peer support techniques and group facilitation for the purpose of empowerment. You will also provide support to clients and/or refer the clients to other appropriate human services within the agency or the greater Phoenix area.

The Peer Support Specialist supports the Southwest Center mission of providing affirming and inclusive services to promote well-being and advance health equity for diverse communities and all those seeking compassionate care - especially people of color, LGBTQIA2S and Queer individuals, and those affected by HIV.

What your day will look like at Southwest Center:

• You'll follow a treatment plan developed by a staff Therapist or Nurse Practitioner. 
• You'll provide 1:1 meetings with clients diagnosed with co-occurring disorders.
• You'll provide group co-facilitation with a Therapist.
• You'll assess for crisis needs and refer to appropriate SWC care.
• You'll consult and collaborate with other professionals both within and outside the agency to facilitate client treatment. 
• You'll assist Therapist with timely documentation.
• You may participate in outreach into the community to identify prospective clients and/or community needs and facilitate the satisfaction of those needs. 
• You may provide educational presentations, as needed, within the agency and throughout the community. 
• You'll promote positive client relations in accordance with SWC policies and procedures. 
• You'll serve as an advocate for clients concerning their mental health needs. 

We’ve got great benefits: 

• 200 hours of PTO per year 
• Up to 13 paid holidays per year 
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance 
• Basic life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance paid by Southwest Center 
• YMCA Gym and Programs Discount
• Retirement savings

Requirements

Who we're looking for:

• You have earned your high school diploma or equivalent.
• You have a Peer and Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS) certification from an AHCCCS- recognized Peer Support Employment Training Program.
• You have at least 1 years in recovery from drug(s) and/or alcohol use.
• You have extensive knowledge of mental health and community resources. 
• You have an understanding of HIPAA and protecting client confidentiality. 
• You are proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) software applications and competent in using electronic medical records (EMRs) and information systems in providing effective documentation of client care. 
• You have excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• You possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and have access to transportation at all times for work related duties. 
• You are able to work in fast paced environment with changing deadlines and priorities while maintaining a positive attitude.
• You have demonstrated cultural competency to professionally and respectfully serve the LGBTQIAS communities.
• All agency employees must be able to work effectively in a mission-driven agency whose clients and staff exhibit significant diversity with respect to race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, nationality, and religion.

We'd love to see you apply if you have these preferred qualifications too:

• You possess an undergraduate degree in behavioral health (e.g., Counseling, Social Work, Substance Abuse or Psychology).
• You have personal or professional experience regarding members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, and Intersexed communities strongly preferred. 
• You have personal or professional experience regarding people living with HIV/AIDS strongly preferred. 
• You are bilingual (Spanish/English). 

Environmental Factors, Physical Requirements, and Compliance

• Work primarily in a climate-controlled environment with minimal safety/health hazard potential. 
• Office environment, exposure to computer screens for lengthy periods of time. 
• The position requires extensive use of clinical documentation by typing notes using a standard computer keyboard. The electronic medical record may not support use of spell-check or transcription devices, which should not be expected for completion of documentation. 
• This position may require evening and occasional weekend work. 
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, sit, stand; use hands, talk, and hear. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus. 
• This position may require the employee to occasionally climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, bend or crawl. 
• This position must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• Currently have, or be able to obtain within 90 days of employment, a valid Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• Currently have, or are able to obtain within 7 days of employment, a clear TB test.
• Currently have, or are able to obtain within 7 days of employment, a current flu vaccination.
• Currently have, or are able to initiate within 7 days of employment, a Hepatitis-B primary vaccination series.
• Currently have, or are able to obtain within 14 days of employment, a CPR certification.

 Equal Employment Opportunity

The Southwest Center is an equal opportunity employer and we value a healthy work environment free from harassment and discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetic information. 

The Southwest Center provides an inclusive and respectful working environment that represents a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, identities, and experiences. We attract applicants who have the cultural awareness to navigate and celebrate these differences. Our employees are Individuals who have respect for the communities where they live and work and are committed to utilizing culturally and linguistically appropriate strategies and skills in a collaborative environment.

We welcome all applicants with personal, direct and/or indirect knowledge of the lives and experience with but not limited to: Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC); LGBTQIA2S /Queer individuals; those affected by HIV, people living with disabilities; people with diverse religious beliefs, and other marginalized Individuals that are at the intersections of those identities/experiences. We also encourage those from historically underrepresented backgrounds to apply.

Reasonable Accommodations 

Applicants requesting a reasonable accommodation to apply or participate in the interview process for this position should email hr@swcenter.org.