Peer Support Specialist

Vision

To end homelessness.

MISSION STATEMENT:

All youth experiencing homelessness and youth at risk of being homeless are empowered to be contributing, self-supporting members of their community.

JOB DESCRIPTION TITLE: Peer Support Specialist
REPORTS TO: Peer Support Supervisor
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Regular, full-time
CLASSIFICATION: Hourly
LOCATION: 300 North Willow Street, Wasilla AK 99654
FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt

GENERAL FUNCTIONS:

The Peer Support Specialist is part of a team, responsible for role modeling overall wellness to all individuals who receive services at My House. This position will utilize WRAP curriculum and work directly with clients to model recovery and hold a strong belief that all people can flourish and recover. The Peer Support Specialist will role model being an advocate in the recovery community and participate in community activities while seeking out opportunities to share their story. At My House, a Peer is defined as someone with personal lived experience with substance use or mental health conditions and who has been in remission for at least Two years.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

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  Provide peer support services in accordance with the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) curriculum.
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  Encourage and model recovery and resilience in ways that are specific to the needs of each individual.
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  Assist peers in self-advocacy and social connections.
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  Provide Crisis Stabilization services in accordance with state guidelines: To include crisis and post crisis planning.
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  Hold the role of advocate for the organization, as well as the youth, as needed.
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  Work with family members, the court system, social service agencies, hospitals, and other service providers to offer peer services for community members and clients.
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  Seek out community opportunities to discuss peer services and living in recovery.
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  Attend case staffing and provide feedback during case management and staff meetings.
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  Communicate effectively and be part of a team of staff professionals working together to support and encourage youth to set and accomplish goals, establish healthy boundaries and become productive.
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  Maintain a professional posture with clients, community members and partners at all times, using appropriate language and positive feedback designed to offer constructive growth that benefits the overall mission.
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  Represent MY House in a positive and proactive manner at all times.
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  Continue to stay current on training and education needed to perform duties to a high
  standard
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  Facilitate the prompt completion of housing applications, move-ins and move-outs.
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  Enforces house rules and guidelines by providing support, guidance and oversight that hold youth accountable in the upkeep of the home.
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  Other duties and tasks as negotiated.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or general equivalency degree
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  Certified as a Peer Support Professional I (PSP I) and able to obtain (PSP II) within 12 months of hire.
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  Two (1) years working in the field of recovery or behavioral health
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  Working knowledge of Motivational Interviewing and Trauma-Informed Care
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  Strong understanding of community resources and referral agencies
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  If in recovery, must be in remission for two (2) year’s and working a program of recovery
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  CPR/First Aid/AED certified or able to obtain within 90 days of hire
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  Continued employment is contingent upon receipt of a satisfactory State and Federal
  background check, approved National Provider Identifier Standard (NPI) status, and
  State Approval as a Qualified Addictions Professional (QAP) or a Provisional (QAP)
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  Must have a valid Alaska Driver's License and insurable under My House vehicle

insurance

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

• Associate’s degree in social work, Psychology, Human Services, Counseling, or
  Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling. Relevant experience may substitute for educational requirement on a year for year basis.
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  Certified as a Peer Support Professional III (PSP III)
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  Working knowledge of trafficking systems and culture
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  Three (3) years’ experience working in peer services
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  Current CPR/First Aid/AED certified
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  Current NPI, QAP and Medicaid enrollment

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES

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  Ability to clearly tell your own story and advocate for others to tell their story
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  Demonstrate the ability to respond to crisis situations and emergencies
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  Ability to deescalate agitated clients
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  Ability to maintain healthy boundaries with clients
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  Demonstrate flexibility, adaptability, and initiative
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  Working knowledge of health care portability act (42CFR and HIPPA)
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  Demonstrate positive work ethic
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  Ability to communicate proficiently, verbally and in writing