Primary Function

Provide peer support recovery services to individuals living with psychiatric and/or substance use challenges. Peer support recovery services are provided at a variety of locations, including at CIHA and in the community. By drawing on their own experiences in recovery, the Peer Support Specialist fosters connection, instills hope, and supports clients in developing self-directed recovery paths. Peer Support Specialists are essential in helping clients feel seen, heard, and understood as they navigate their mental wellness journey. Provide input into programming for multiple departments within Analenisgi.

Job Duties

Direct Service Functions

• Use lived experience with mental health/substance use recovery to connect with clients and offer relatable support.
• Provide direct peer support services on an individual and group/learning circle basis at home and in the community.
• Facilitate learning circles, groups, and/or classes for Galvgwodiyu program and Analenisgi.
• Serve as learning circle leader, trainer, presenter/storyteller, or other assigned role in implementation of trainings, learning circles, or other Galvgwodiyu activities.
• Share personal story – including harm experienced as well as harm caused – as a culturally appropriate and participant-first approach to healing and ending cycles of abuse in communities.
• Abide by the NC Certified Peer Support Specialist Code of Ethics, when applicable.
• Document all treatment and clinically significant events for the medical record in the manner prescribed by CIHA policies and procedures.
• Follow all applicable privacy/confidentiality policies, procedures, and practices for maintenance and release of patient records and clinical information, including EBCI, CIHA, IHS, DHHS, HIPAA, JCAHO, 42 CFR, or other licensing bodies.
• Attend clinical staffing as an integral component of a treatment team, facilitating the discussion of patient data and formulating changes to the treatment plan.
• Provide care coordination and case management for clients as needed.
• Provide direct assistance as needed for clients accessing recovery programs, and assist individuals in developing recovery management plans.
• Under the guidance of the Galvgwodiyu Program Manager and Galvgwodiyu Event/Training Supervisor, works in collaboration with Recovery Center staff to plan and conduct recovery support activities in the community.
• Provide written, telephonic and face-to-face consultation services to persons and organizations that affect clients including physicians, hospitals, medical care providers, law enforcement officers, social services community agencies, schools, courts, and probation officers.
• Provide regular support interventions via office, telephone, and in the community to further engage clients in services
• Make effective use of clinical supervision and consultation.
• Participate in Galvgwodiyu and assigned learning circles as assigned.
• Participate in community planning and implementation of programs to help resolve issues such as improving coordination of services or developing programs to serve the community.
• Obtain continuing education as needed through in-service training and through access and tuition payment for approved training seminars and workshops.
• Provide culturally appropriate approaches in engagement with the community.
• Direct service productivity standards may be required for this position.
• Participate in extensive community outreach to individuals needing extra support.
• Community outreach may consist of any or all of the following:
  1. Meeting a person at their home or the last known location of where they are residing
  2. Providing transportation to clients
  3. Searching areas in the community for people who are disengaged and homeless.
  4. Bringing services to a client outside their workplace.
  5. Engaging a client’s designated support team.
  6. Participating in a client’s care at other community organizations.

Maintain a caseload of people to provide outreach services to at any given time. Providing timely services based on each person’s level of need.

Administrative Functions

• Work closely with the Galvgwodiyu Event/Training Supervisor to develop and implement the Galvgwodiyu learning circle schedule.
• Collect data and provide regular reports for the department, executive management, and CIHA board use.
• Provide telephone support, reception, and basic office support in support of the Galvgwodiyu program.
• Represent CIHA in the community by serving in various meetings and workgroups as directed.
• Monitor outcomes and make adjustments as needed to maximize positive outcomes for individuals.
• Ensure the use of evidence-based and emerging best practices in all recovery services.
• Ensure Cherokee Culture is recognized and affirmed in recovery services.
• Ensure appropriate use of cultural and alternative healing practices.
• Assist individuals being served to access:
  1. 12-step groups
  2. Community and faith-based services
  3. GED and educational programs
  4. Family support groups and programs
• Promptly review and respond to any incidents or complaints according to CIHA policy.
• Maintain and possess up to date outreach materials. (Business cards, pamphlets, group schedules, program information, and Narcan kits)

Education/Experience/Minimum Requirements

1. High school diploma or GED: and
2. Lived experience with behavioral health symptoms, substance use, and/or trauma; and
3. Eighteen months sustained recovery;  and
4. Willingness to explore and share personal story – including harm experienced as well as harm caused - as a culturally appropriate and participant-first approach to treatment; and 
5. Specific experience working with the indigenous/American Indian population
6. Must possess valid drivers’ license
7. NC Peer Support Specialist certification or be willing to begin certification process within 60 days of hire.
8. Willingness to travel (includes staying overnight/on-site for Galvgwodiyu trainings) and work flexible hours (e.g., evening events/trainings)

Preferred Qualifications

• Has completed one or more Galvgwodiyu trainings
• Willingness to explore and share personal story in learning circle/peer environment regarding harm caused to others, specifically related to perpetrating domestic violence/intimate partner violence, with the goal of supporting participants in stopping abusive and/or harmful behavior against others
• Experience in Recovery Services
• Experience working with Peer Support services
• WRAP Facilitators certification;

Job Knowledge

Ability to share your personal recovery story and lived experience in an appropriate and respectful manner.

• Ability to effectively utilize an electronic medical record and other software such as Microsoft Office programs, and email.
• Considerable originality and initiative are required in the daily performance of tasks.
• Considerable knowledge of the methods and principles of recovery and person-centered thinking.
• Basic knowledge of resources in the community.
• Skill in establishing rapport and appropriate respectful relationships with clients and families.
• Ability to determine appropriate boundaries with clients and maintain professional ethics in all situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues of other professional disciplines, and a variety of governmental and private resources and organizations in the community.
• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely and to plan and execute work effectively.
• Ability to ascertain the potential lethality of a situation and respond and refer accordingly.
• Create and maintain a community outreach schedule.
• Ability to collect and report data in an organized manner
• Organization and time management skills are a must.
• Willingness to learn more about Cherokee culture and history

Complexity of Duties

This position is responsible for assisting in maximizing the available resources to meet the behavioral health needs of the community. Must have the ability to interpret policy, laws and regulations in order to make decisions. Duties require the application of judgment and problem-solving skills in order to be effective.

Supervision Received

Works under the direct guidance of the Galvgwodiyu Event/Training Supervisor where responsibilities and assignments are often broadly defined. Position must demonstrate considerable initiative and ability to work independently. Position must communicate effectively with supervisor/manager to ensure alignment with organizational goals, mission, vison and values.

Responsibility for Accuracy

Failure to provide adequate services or to properly manage and direct activities could result in poor client outcomes, delays in patient treatment, and negative patient and community relations. Ineffective health planning could have adverse effects on the health status of the community by limiting access to necessary resources

Contacts with Others

Interacts frequently with coworkers, hospital staff, patients, and other health professionals for the purpose of exchanging information, obtaining, or providing assistance. Serves on various local, community, and health committees, boards, and advisory councils, as appropriate. Tact, courtesy, and professional conduct are required to maintain positive working relationships. Utmost sensitivity and confidentiality is required when dealing with patients and families.

Confidential Data

The employee complies with EBCI policy on confidentiality of patient records, Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority Confidentiality policy, and HIPAA requirements. Violations of confidentiality regulations may result in disciplinary action and other actions as allowed by federal regulations.

Mental/Visual/Physical

Job duties can be mentally and emotionally stressful at times, given the complexity of the duties. Physical activities require the ability to be mobile, sit, reach, bend, and be in front of groups and deliver training for extended periods. Some physical exertion and stamina is required, such as required to transport training materials or to travel.

• Position requires: stand and walk (½ time) sit (1/2 half time)

Environment

The employee works in a hospital or outpatient clinical environment and is required to work at other offices and locations. The work environment involves moderate risks of exposure to infectious disease, radiation, electrical hazards, and irritant chemical and explosive gases. Employee must strictly adhere to OSHA guidelines and protocol for maintaining sterile conditions.

Travel is required. Overnight travel may be required for meetings or to attend training.

Customer Service

Consistently demonstrates superior customer service skills to patients/customers by demonstrating characteristics that align with CIHA’s guiding principles and core values. Ensure excellent customer service is provided to all patients/customers by seeking out opportunities to be of service