Job Description
Peer Support Specialist
Location: Pierre, SD
Agency: Capital Area Counseling Service
Employment Category: Full-time
Employment Type: Hourly
Starting Wage: $19.10
Benefits: health, dental and life insurance coverage; participation in the agency 401K retirement plan; paid holidays; vacation and sick leave; and a family membership to the YMCA
Position Description
The Peer Support Specialist will provide support and guidance to individuals with a substance use disorder using a strengths-based approach and client centered care. Through collaboration with a peer support specialist, clients will learn strategies for meeting their own needs and pursuing individual recovery goals. The peer support specialist will use his/her own experience to guide the client through his/her recovery.
Duties / Responsibilities:
- Provide direct client services and collaborate with other clinicians to support clients in identifying and connecting to community resources.
- Promote self-directed recovery/wellness through client advocacy and liaison services.
- Attend appointments and meetings with clients for medical or behavioral health services.
- Support clients in a holistic approach to recovery and wellness.
- Educate and empower through shared experiences.
- Provide support in crisis situations.
- Assist in the orientation process for participants who are new to the treatment programs.
- Facilitate and/or Co-facilitate recovery support groups, as assigned.
- Provide education and advocacy within the community and agency that promotes awareness of substance use disorders and criminal thinking while reducing misconceptions, prejudice, and discrimination.
- Maintain group and individual supportive interaction with participants, their families and social supports.
- Complete and maintain documentation required by the State or other funding sources and track all deadlines.
- Recognize and adhere to professional and personal boundaries.
- Adhere to all agency policies and state and federal laws regarding confidentiality of medical records.
- Ability to work within a team including other community partner agencies and client’s family and peers.
- Work hours may include some evening and weekends.
Required Skills / Abilities:
- Knowledge of substance use disorder and mental health services.
- Maintain confidentiality and comply with agency compliance plan and code of ethics.
- Ability to work as part of a team and be able to develop authentic peer-to-peer relationships.
- Excellent computer skills/proficient in computer applications, specifically MS Office.
- Ability to multi-task and prioritize work.
- Problem solving skills.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Ability to meet deadlines.
- Work hours may include some evening and weekend hours.
- Possess a valid driver's license.
- May need to use personal vehicle for work-related tasks and must provide proof of insurance.
Education and Experience:
- High school diploma/GED.
- Minimum age: 21 years old.
- Self-attestation of ongoing recovery from a substance use disorder.
- Applicant must have at least 12 consecutive months of self-directed recovery in accordance with the definition by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) on “Recovery”: “A process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.”
Physical Requirements:
- Requires periods of moving within the office and other locations.
- Requires periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.