Peer Support Specialist

MISSION STATEMENT:

As a leading Alaska drug and alcohol treatment center, True North Recovery Inc. is on mission
to provide our community with client centered, culturally competent behavioral health treatment
with same day access to services through: Evidence-based best practices, partnerships, and
authentic community-based recovery support services for alcohol addiction, drug addiction, and
treatment for other addictive lifestyles.

We work to foster a safe and supportive environment for peer-centered education, services and
engagement. Our programs and partnerships open pathways to recovery by removing social
barriers and creating opportunities for those seeking and maintaining long-term recovery.

JOB DESCRIPTION TITLE: Peer Support Specialist
REPORTS TO: Operations Director
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Regular, full-time
CLASSIFICATION: Hourly
LOCATION: 2650 Broadview Ave, Wasilla AK 99654
FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt

GENERAL FUNCTIONS:
The Day One Peer Support Specialist is responsible for role modeling overall wellness and
mentoring to all individuals who receive services at Day One. This position works directly with
clients to model recovery and holds a strong belief that all people can recover from addiction and
obtain happiness. The Peer Support Specialist will role model being an advocate in the recovery
community and participate in community activities seeking out opportunities to share their story.
They work directly with client, family, sponsors and community supports to remove barriers,
address relapse triggers, and re-build fractures to positive relationships.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Provide family members with information on support resources available through groups
and organizations in the state of Alaska
2. Assist, when appropriate, family members and others to understand possible warning
signs and triggers, appropriate supportive responses, wellness measures, and the overall
recovery process
3. Assist recovering individuals to have their voices fully heard
4. Support individuals in identifying their areas of need for treatment services and to
communicate these needs to provider staff

5. Provide crisis support as needed
6. Assist individuals in utilizing resources to help them become more independent (e.g.
public transportation, support groups, using computers, obtain library card, training,
vocational services, education, finances, health and wellness, etc.)
7. Assist individuals in identifying barriers to their recovery, and develop strategies to
overcome them
8. Provide education and advocacy within the community that promotes awareness
of mental health, serious emotional disturbance, OUD and co-occurring disorders, and
reduces barriers such as stigma and misconceptions
9. Maintain a working relationship with all community partner agencies
10. Continue to stay current on training and education needed to perform duties to a high
standard
11. Assist individuals in developing and utilizing natural supports and resources in the
community (e.g. support groups, making friends, spiritual support, etc.)
12. Work with peers and staff to identify community supports and help
individuals understand how to utilize these resources in their recovery
13. Performs related duties as assigned

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: 
1. High school diploma or general equivalency degree
2. Peer Support Specialist certification or Alaska Chemical Dependency Counselor
Certification I (CDC I) working towards a (CDC II) in accordance with State
requirements
3. Demonstrates a healthy lifestyle and has the ability to share their recovery story.
4. Working knowledge of Motivational Interviewing and Trauma-Informed Care.
5. Two years’ experience working with individuals in a substance-use related field.
6. Two years’ experience providing peer support services
7. Strong understanding of community resources and referral agencies
8. If in recovery must be in remission for ONE (1) year and working a program of
recovery
9. CPR/First Aid/AED certified or able to obtain within 90 days of hire
10. 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)
11. Must have a valid Alaska Driver's License and insurable under True North vehicle
insurance

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS: 
1. Associates Degree in Social work, Psychology, Human Services, Counseling, or
Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling
2. Current CPR/First Aid/AED certified
3. Current NPI and QAP
4. Peer Support Trainer
5. Working knowledge of state DBH regulations

SKILLS and ABILITIES:
1. Knowledge of alcoholism and drug addiction as a disease
2. Ability to communicate proficiently verbally and in writing
3. Demonstrate the ability to respond to crisis situations and emergencies with good
judgment
4. Ability to deescalate agitated clients
5. Ability to maintain healthy boundaries with clients

CORE COMPETENCIES:
1. Understanding of Trauma informed care.
2. Understanding of addiction and recovery
3. Demonstrate flexibility, adaptability, and initiative.
4. Demonstrate positive work ethic and organizational skills
6. Exercise good judgment

Disclaimer
The information above has been designed to indicate the general nature of duties within this job.
Management has sole discretion to add or modify duties of the job and to designate other
functions as essential at any time. This job description is not an employment agreement or
contract.