PEER SUPPORT SERVICE SPECIALIST: Under the direct supervision of the Program Manager. Peer support services are delivered by individuals who have common life experiences with the people they are serving (retrieved from: SAMHSA.org.). A Certified Peer Support Worker (CPSW) is an individual in recovery with mental health and/or substance use conditions who has successfully completed a training class and passed a certification exam. Will organize and coordinate an array of services for clients referred to the Community Engagement Team program.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Must be at least 18 years of age and older.

High School diploma or equivalency, and two (2) years in recovery with a required reference letter for verification.

Must successfully complete all required training for this position.

Must successfully pass a certification exam for Peer Support Services within a specific timeframe.

Must self-identify as a current or former consumer of mental health and/or substance abuse services.

Knowledge of mental health and substance use community resources.

Broad knowledge and experience in working with individuals in recovery.

Must have no convictions for domestic violence, sexual offenses or other serious crimes against persons.

Must establish an effective working relationship with YDI staff and other agencies.

Extensive knowledge of community resources and ability to work efficiently with public and private agency professionals.

Broad knowledge of assessment, service planning and service coordination in working with adolescents and families.
Bilingual Preferred.

JOB CHARACTERISTICS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This is a professional position, which requires organizational, and communication skills, as well as judgment, tact and diplomacy in contacts with YDI employees, community residents, parents and local government agencies. Strict adherence is required to all regulation and concerning confidentiality.

Good general health. Background investigation to include fingerprinting will be required. Physical and TB Skin test is required upon hire, and may be required intermittently.

Frequent travel is required by employee and proof of satisfactory car insurance is required.

Non-traditional hours required.

Youth Development, Inc. is an at-will employer. Employment is by mutual consent of the company and employee, and either may terminate the relationship at any time with or without cause or advance notice. This job is contingent upon funding; however, availability of funding is not a guarantee of continued employment, nor does it imply any specific term of employment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES (Not Inclusive):

• Will coordinate all services with the Program Manager and Intake/MIS Manager.
• Will respond to all assigned cases within the time frames specified in the contract.
• Will work a flexible, non-traditional schedule to meet the needs of the target population.
• Will provide support for clients’ physical health conditions/concerns.

• Will provide assistance for client on independent living skills (e.g. money management problem solving, establishing boundaries, reducing stress);

• Will work together with the assigned client(s) to develop socialization and recreational skills.

• Will develop and set a plan to provide aid and comfort to a person in crisis.

• Will work with assigned clients to help them in developing recovery and resiliency skills.

• Will work collaboratively with YDI programs and community partners to ensure appropriate services are attained for all referred clients.
• Will coordinate access to services for clients in the areas of medical, social, educational, vocational, legal and therapeutic care.
• Will accept referrals from community based agencies, law enforcement, schools, crisis response teams and all appropriate entities throughout Bernalillo County.
• Will implement the service plan for each client which will outline the proposed plan of care.
• Will monitor and evaluate the provision of client services on an ongoing basis.
• Will provide advocacy and referral services on behalf of clients.
• Will provide family support services to identified secondary clients.
• Will provide all required reports as outlined in the Scope of Work.
• Will work with the Intake/MIS Manager to capture all required data and to input data on the agency identified electronic medical record.
• Will cooperate with all established Quality Assurance protocols.
• Will participate in individual and group supervision.
• Other duties as assigned.