Peer Support Specialist (IMPACT)

Position Summary:

The Peer Support Specialist is responsible for supervising and providing daily support to those participating in the program in which they are assigned. This position is also tasked with ensuring the safety of all program participants and ensuring compliance with program rules and WestCare policies.

Essential Job Functions:

• Supervises program participants under the direction of the Program Director, reporting unusual changes as they occur
• Facilitates mentoring, discipline, safety, and shift observation of participants
• Utilizes approved crisis intervention techniques to assist with de-escalation of situations, ensuring resident, staff, and visitor safety.
• Assists with the initial assessment and receiving of new program participants.
• Facilitates Peer Support Specialist certification classes.
• Transports participants to school or medical appointments as required.
• Ensures participant medication is processed upon admission and give on time, in accordance with procedure.
• Assists other WestCare staff as needed to promote cooperation and portray a professional image.
• Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision and goals of WestCare Foundation; and
• Perform any other duties as assigned.

Essential Qualifications:

Certifications/Licensures:

• Kentucky certification as a Peer Support Specialist and in good standing as recognized by the Kentucky Board of Alcohol and Drug Counselors.

Education:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college with a degree in Addiction Counseling, Criminal Justice, Social Work, Psychology or related field is preferred.
• High School Diploma or equivalent and two (2) years of college-level education is required. Two (2) years of alcohol and other drug counseling experience may be substituted for one (1) year of college-level education. No more than one (1) year of college-level education may be substituted with alcohol and other drug counseling experience.

Experience and Competencies:

• Two (2) years of experience in providing Peer Support Specialist services to persons with alcohol and/or drug problems is preferred;
• Intake and assessment experience is preferred;
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system;
• Excellent communication skills;
• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion;
• Ability to work well in a team environment;
• Adherence to the highest standard of ethical conduct, especially to standards governing confidentiality;
• Professional appearance and demeanor;
• Must be culturally/linguistically sensitive to populations served;
• Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain and maintain WestCare’s vehicle insurance is required;
• CPR Certification, First Aid Certification and an annual Tuberculosis test.

Working Conditions:

• Work is primarily performed in an office or residential treatment setting; and
• Some outdoor activities may be required.