Peer Support Specialist-SUD Department

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES: To bridge the gap between professional treatment and sustainable recovery and to help individuals begin, maintain, and improve the quality of individual and family recovery. Coordination of treatment services and support systems including providers, family members, and peers.

Peer Mentors provide:

1. Providing Peer Support- offering emotional support, guidance, advocacy to clients facing similar changes, and helping members in early recovery feel connected and enjoy being with others, especially in recovery activities in alcohol and drug free environments.
2. Connection to Resources- helping clients access community resources and support networks, such as AA/NA/CA/FA or other support groups, providing the client with information on health and wellness issues, mental health concerns, and other resource needs.
3. Assisting with Daily Living Activities- providing concrete assistance in task achievement and practical support for clients’ daily needs such as assisting with stressful and difficult tasks such as filling out applications, establishing and providing transportation, grocery shopping, and personal hygiene.
4. Mentoring and Coaching- assisting members in developing treatment plan goals, recovery skills and making informed decisions about their treatment including but not limited to helping the client to acquire life skills, employment readiness, and citizen restoration. 
5. Facilitating Peer-Led Groups- leading support groups and wellness activities to promote community engagement and shared experiences.
6. Education and Training- sharing knowledge and training on recovery principles and practices with members and other staff that foster a supportive environment that encourages members to take an active role in their recovery.
7. Provide Accountability- perform UA testing of members as requested by counselors and/or SUD Coordinator in order to help members remain accountable in their recovery.
8. Strong Commitment to Ethical Practices- help model healthy boundaries and ethical practices to members and act as a role model for wellness and recovery. 

JOB DUTIES AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Maintain patient confidentiality in accordance with agency policy and procedures, HIPPA, 42 CFR Part 2, and Federal Laws. 
• Ability to exercise sound judgement in routine, urgent, and emergent situations.
• Ability to work as part of a supportive, multidisciplinary team that utilizes a range of evidence-based treatment modalities to help individuals with mental illness and substance use disorders.
• Conducts self in a professional manner in areas of dress, language, attitude, and behavior.
• Understand and abide by code of ethics and patient rights.
• Ability to organize workload so that clinical and administrative duties are completed in a timely manner
• Ability to establish rapport and communicate effectively with members, staff, and other agencies, working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures is required
• Maintain appropriate boundaries with members 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A minimum of 18 months of active recovery or sobriety
• Must possess a valid KS driver's license and auto insurance in accordance with SCMHCC standards.
• Have completed all required qualifications and be certified by KDADS as a SUD Peer Mentor.
• Possess demonstrated interpersonal skills, ability to work with persons with substance use and mental health disorders, and the ability to react effectively in a wide variety of human services situations.
• Be familiar with all KDADS standards well as CFR42 part 2 requirements for SUD treatment. 
• Be familiar with local recovery programs and resources. 
• Pass a criminal background and driver’s license check to the satisfaction of SCMHCC.

This description is intended to describe the essential job functions, the general supplemental functions, and the essential requirements for the performance of this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and requirements of a person so classified. Other functions may be assigned, and management retains the right to add to or change the duties at any time. 

SCMHCC is an equal opportunity employer and will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.

Salary : $17