RS Peer Support Specialist/ Residential Driver

Essential Duties and Responsibilities for Driver portion of position:

Include the following:

• The vehicle that is driven should be checked daily for mechanical problems.
• Monthly, six month, and annual checklists must be completed accurately and timely and submitted to the appropriate persons.
• A daily log must be kept of miles driven and gas purchases made.
• If mechanical problems are noted, the driver should use his/her best judgment on whether they should be fixed immediately or if they can wait. Expensive repairs, unless they pose a danger, should be reported to the Transportation Coordinator or the Team Leader/Program Director prior to repair.
• The oil and oil filter should be changed on a scheduled basis.
• The vehicle should be kept clean on the inside and outside.
• The speed limit should never be exceeded.
• The vehicle should never be used for personal use.
• Consumers should be treated with respect and consideration.
• Every effort should be made to pick consumers up at the scheduled time.
• If there is down time from driving, it will be expected that the driver will provide assistance to the program.
• Provide services based on ethical concepts and principles while refraining from forming a personal relationship with the consumers.
• Refrain from assuming any duty that is unrelated to and/or interferes with the responsibilities of the position.
• Respond to emergency situations in a timely fashion. Report accidents and emergencies to Team Leader or Program Director immediately.
• Demonstrate the ability to work effectively with other team members, as part of a multidisciplinary team, and independently, when necessary.
• Other duties may be assigned when necessary.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities for Peer Support portion of position:

Include the following:

• Provide peer mentorship and support, drawing on common experiences as a peer, to validate clients; experiences and to provide guidance and encouragement to clients to take responsibility and actively participate in their own recovery.
• Facilitate group sessions and co-facilitate with clinicians as needed
• Provide individual one-on-one sessions with clients
• Complete documentation in a timely manner
• Serve as a mentor to clients to promote hope and empowerment.
• Advocate on behalf of clients living with substance use disorder in the community and the program
• Provide expertise and consultation from a recovering individual’s perspective to the entire team concerning clients’ experiences on symptoms of substance use disorder, the effects and side-effects of medications, clients’ responses to and opinions of treatment, and clients’ experiences of recovery.
• Collaborate with the treatment team to promote a team culture in which each client’s point of view, experiences, and preferences are recognized, understood, and respected, and in which client self-determination and decision-making in treatment planning are maximized and supported.
• Helps clients identify, understand, and combat stigma and discrimination associated with substance use disorder and develop strategies to reduce self-stigma.
• Help other treatment team members identify and understand culture-wide stigma and discrimination against people with substance use disorder and develop strategies to eliminate stigma within the team.
• Collaborate with the treatment team to ensure the protection of clients’ rights in order to help clients to improve their knowledge of client rights and grievance or compliant procedures.
• Increase awareness of and support client participation in self-help programs and advocacy organizations that promote recovery.
• Serve as the liaison between the team and peer-run programs such as self-help groups and drop-in centers.
• Shared duties in the provision of treatment and recovery services.

Required Job Skills:

• Oral and Written Communication Skills
• Interpersonal Skills
• Ability to exercise good judgment, tact, diplomacy and compassion when problem solving, handling conflict or in a crisis situation
• Ability to complete record keeping in a timely fashion
• Ability to get along with diverse personalities and maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to work well with people of all races, backgrounds and needs

Qualifications: Requires High School Degree or GED. Submit to and pass a criminal record check, driving check, and a drug screening test. Must be at least 25 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license. Must have a minimum of two years in recovery to be a peer support specialist. Must apply for the Temporary Registered Alcohol & Drug Peer Support Specialist credential immediately and work toward full licensure of Registered Alcohol & Drug Peer Support Specialist.

Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 am until 4:30 pm. Other times may be required with the job.

This position reports directly to the Team Leader or Program Director.