Peer Recovery Specialist

Position: Peer Recovery Specialist
Supervisor: SUD Program Manager
FLSA Status: FT Non-Exempt

Position Summary:

The Up Center is looking for a Peer Recovery Specialist who can play a role in advancing our response to substance use and recovery. This is a great opportunity for a passionate peer to contribute to the implementation of Peer Services in the South Hampton Roads area. This position operates from an office setting as well as throughout the community, working collaboratively with many other human services agencies. Responsible for provision of support services to adults with opioid and other substance use disorders. Performs screening, peer counseling, group facilitation, coaching, recovery education, linking, monitoring, foster client advocacy and responsibility. Requires management and completion of work responsibilities in a time-restricted environment. Works with a challenging population, often Monday through Sundays, morning, afternoon and evening hours, with a maximum of 37.5 hours per week.

Essential Responsibilities:

· Works closely with local hospital emergency rooms, Emergency Services, and Crisis Stabilization staff to provide client perspective on a comprehensive assessment to determine individualized treatment preferences.

· Assists clients in developing a Recovery Plan by identifying client's goals, strengths, and steps toward recovery, to include needed supports.

· Assists clients with general problem solving and development of skills in obtaining services and supports through coaching toward an increased sense of responsibility.

· Educates clients Recovery Plans are included in Individual Service Plans.

· Maintains accurate documentation consistent with agency guidelines, grant requirements, and licensure standards.

· Collaborates with multiple programs as part of a treatment team, community service providers and significant others as necessary.

· Attends staff meetings, case meetings, and staff training activities as required.

· Utilizes SAMHSA's Crisis Prevention Action Plan and other recovery-oriented peer support programs.

· Assists clients with developing skills and strategies to prevent relapse of substance

· addiction and possible mental health symptoms, reconnecting with their recovery goals.

· Completes other tasks and duties as assigned by supervisor.

· about available community resources and advocates for services on behalf of clients as needed.

· Assists in the development and facilitation of recovery-oriented groups, using educational tools and utilizing personal experiences with substance use disorders and mental illness.

· Acts as a liaison between clients and other service providers (Emergency Services workers, case managers, counselors, etc.) to ensure that the client preferences expressed in their support plans.

Knowledge:

· Clients rights and regulations

· Substance use disorder recovery planning

· Mental health recovery planning

· Available community resources

Skills:

· Linking, coordinating, monitoring, assessing and evaluation

· Crisis prevention, intervention, and management

· Maintenance of client records in accordance with all regulatory standards including timely documentation and individualized and fully integrated service plans

· Liaison with community resources

· Advocacy

· Boundary and limit setting

· Group facilitation and conducting individual sessions for support and recovery

Abilities/Competencies:

· Demonstrate positive interpersonal communication and effective listening skills

· Collect data and prepare reports and associated correspondence

· Function as a member of an interdisciplinary team

· Work independently with minimal supervision

· Establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, clients and families

· Demonstrate adherence to strict confidentiality and ethical standards

· Exercise sound judgement

· Manage multiple work priorities

Education/ Experience:

· High school diploma or GED

· Must have completed the 72 hour PRS training

· Bachelor's degree in human service or related field a plus, but not required

· Must have lived experience with substance abuse or mental health disorders

· Must have acceptable driving record

· Requires working cell phone