Peer Support Specialist

Position Summary:

The Certified Peer Supporter utilizes their lived experience of recovery, combined with formal training, to deliver recovery services through a partnership with WestCare programs. Essential Job Functions include those listed below.

Essential Job Functions:

• Assesses the needs, conditions, and desires of assigned program participants;
• Works collaboratively with program partners to ensure continuous coordination of services for peers and their families;
• Conducts data collection and ensures timely delivery of reports and other materials as directed by WestCare and program funders;
• Uses own unique, life–altering experience to guide and support peers and their families;
• Mentors and develops meaningful and trusting relationships with program peers struggling with drug addiction and child welfare issues;
• Meets regularly with partners to support and advocate for peers and families engaged in WestCare programs;
• Identifies and connects peers with community resources that support recovery;
• Maintains confidentiality, respects individual’s privacy, routine, and independence;
• Attends required orientation, training and professional development, as appropriate;
• Participates in supervisory meetings and training with supervisor;
• Attends Conversation for Change (C4C) and other WestCare Ohio-supported activities that engage with peers, families and the community through health fairs, community events and local grass roots programs;
• Assists other WestCare staff as needed to promote cooperation and portray a professional image to the community;
• Embraces and embodies the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision and goals of WestCare Foundation;
• Performs any other duties as assigned.

Essential Qualifications:

Certifications/Licensures:

• Ohio Peer Recovery Supporter certification required at time of or within 30 days of hire;
• Valid driver’s license and the ability to obtain and maintain WestCare’s vehicle insurance is required.

Education:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college with a degree in Counseling, Criminal Justice, Social Work, Psychology or other field related to the position is preferred;
• High School Diploma or equivalent is required;

Experience and Competencies:

• Experience working with disadvantaged individuals required;
• Must be in continuous recovery for at least two (2) full years without relapse;
• Must be a person with a lived experience of substance use disorder;
• Must be willing to interact with peers engaged in the Family Treatment Diversion (FTD) program;
• Must be able to articulate the importance of ensuring peer access to “many pathways” and MAT support services;
• Must demonstrate ability to interact with and build relationships with persons struggling with substance use;
• Must have computer literacy in MS Word, Excel, virtual meeting services, texting and social media;
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions required;
• Excellent communication skills are required;
• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion required;
• Ability to work well in a team environment required;
• Adherence to the highest standard of ethical conduct, especially to standards governing confidentiality required;
• Professional appearance and demeanor required;
• Must be culturally/linguistically sensitive to populations served;
• Intake and assessment experience is highly preferred;
• Bilingual ability is preferred;
• Prior experience using office equipment, including phones, scanners, printers, and fax machines, and web cameras is highly desired;

Working Conditions:

• Work is primarily performed in an office or residential treatment setting;
• Some outdoor activities and travel between multiple locations may be required;
• Regular and prompt attendance is required throughout employment.

Essential Physical and Mental Demands of the Job

The employee must be able to perform the following essential duties and activities with or without accommodation:

Physical Demands:

• Requires mobility and physical activity: Having an adequate range of body motion and mobility to work in an office, residential, or outdoor environment including standing and walking (even and uneven surfaces), sitting for extended periods of time, bending, twisting, reaching, balancing, occasional lifting and carrying of up to 50 pounds.  Use of computer and telephone systems is required which includes coordination of eye and hand, and fine manipulation by the hands (typing, writing, and working with files).
• Requires the ability to defend oneself and clients in physically abusive situations through the use of approved physical de-escalation techniques.
• Requires talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.  Talking is required to impart oral information to employees, clients, patients, and the public, and in those activities in which the employee is required to convey detailed or important spoken instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly.
• Requires hearing: Hearing is required to receive and communicate detailed information through oral communication.
• Requires seeing: Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less and at distance. This factor is required to complete paperwork for many of the employee’s essential job functions and to observe client behavior and activities in and out of the facility.

• The normal work routine involves no exposure to human blood, body fluids or tissues.  However, exposure or potential exposure may be required as a condition of employment. Appropriate personal protective equipment will be readily available to every employee.

Mental Demands:

• Requires the ability to collect and analyze complex numerical and written data and verbal information to reach logical conclusions. 
• Requires the ability to work and cooperate with clients, co-workers, managers, the public and employees at all levels in order to exchange ideas, information, instructions and opinions. 
• Requires the ability to work under stress and in emotionally charged settings.
• Requires the ability to defend oneself and clients in mentally/verbally abusive situations through the use of approved mental/verbal de-escalation techniques.