Peer Support Specialist

The Certified Peer Support Specialist is responsible for providing direct and indirect residential peer support services and advocacy to individuals in residential treatment for substance use and/or co-occurring disorders. This position will collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team to help persons in recovery achieve their personal recovery goals by promoting self-determination, personal responsibility, resiliency and empowerment.  Activities include onsite peer support, peer mentoring and coaching, resource connecting, facilitation of recovery, educational and support groups, and building community supports. The Certified Peer Support Specialist will perform services within the boundaries and scope of their expertise under the supervision of the Lead Clinician and within the ethical guidelines of Peer Support professionals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide individual peer mentoring and coaching based on individual client needs and preferences in a manner complimentary to the client's treatment plan and personal recovery.

• Facilitate recovery, educational, support and alumni groups on topics including self advocacy, wellness, life skills, self-care, goal setting and decision making.

• Work with clients to build sustainable community and social supports and resources; engage in community networking as needed. Community networking may include social, recreational, spiritual, educational, or vocational linkages, identification of self-help groups, and other efforts made to make meaningful, cooperative connections between the clients and recovery supports.

• Assist clients in finding and accessing services/benefits.  Make appeals and respond to denials if needed.

• Contribute to the design and development of peer support services.

• Input all required documentation in Connecticut Renaissance's EHR accurately and timely.

• Communicate with treatment team on the status of each client's progress within the program.

• Provide urinalysis/breathalyzer testing when indicated and within guidelines of monitoring.

• Perform daily tasks of the residential facility as assigned, including but not limited to medication monitoring, searches of persons/belongings, DSS communications, log book maintenance, COD coverage, completion of initial orientation paperwork and consents, and transportation assistance.

• Participate in all required internal and external meetings, including individual and group supervisions.

• Complete all required trainings to enhance knowledge and skill level. Staffing 

• Adhere to state and federal regulations and standards of accreditation, facility licensure and funding sources.

• Contribute to meeting or exceeding agency outcomes and performance measures.

• Adhere to agency ethical codes and the NAADAC National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist 

Code of Ethics.

• May perform other duties assigned by supervisor.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics:

Knowledge Of:

• Current practices in Peer Support, including ethical guidelines, advocacy, mentoring, group facilitation, and active listening

• Knowledge of: Electronic Healthcare Record systems, general office software, particularly Microsoft Office Suite

Ability To:

• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing;

• Manage priorities effectively to meet deadlines and demonstrate multi-tasking skills;

• Employ effective organizational skills to meet goals; and

• Work independently and as part of a team.

Education and Experience:

• Certification in Peer Recovery support by a nationally-recognized or approved entity.

• Minimum of 1 year working experience in behavioral health field.

• Experience with client with substance use disorders, co-occurring diagnosed clients, trauma-informed care and criminal justice population preferred.

Other:

• Must be dependable and reliable; detailed oriented; and able to interface easily with clients, staff, and referral sources.

• Must be able to operate a motor vehicle.

• Position requires climbing stairs and the ability to lift 20lbs or more.

• May need to travel to other CTR locations.

• Must successfully complete the introductory probationary employment period.

• Must have a valid CT driver's license.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

This job description covers the most significant duties but does not exclude other assignments or related duties.