Peer Support Specialist

Westcare; Florida; On-site; USD 32,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

A community support organization is seeking a Peer Support Specialist who has lived experience with substance use disorders. The role involves providing peer leadership and recovery support, assisting clients in accessing community resources, educating clients, and being involved in recovery activities. The ideal candidate has strong interpersonal skills, the ability to work both independently and in a team, and a commitment to confidentiality and ethical conduct. Bilingual candidates are preferred.

Qualifications

• Must be able to obtain and maintain DCF Level II background clearance.
• Professional appearance and demeanor required.
• Preference for candidates with previous peer support experience.

Responsibilities

• Educate and refer clients to community agencies.
• Provide peer leadership and recovery support services.
• Assist clients with establishing support systems.
• Advocate to improve access to needed services and treatment.
• Participate in staff planning and resource decisions.
• Provide supervision and support to program clients as needed.
• Collaborate with WestCare staff to promote teamwork.
• Engage in recovery activities and assist in planning events.
• Align with the WestCare mission and goals; perform other duties.

Skills

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Compassion and empathy

Effective communication with clients

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Driver's license

DCF background

Professional appearance

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Lived experience with substance use disorders

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

Person in this position is someone that has direct lived experiences with substance abuse and has exhibited success in sustaining a crime and drug-free life for a minimum of two (2) consecutive years. This position provides peer leadership, outreach, advocacy, coaching and recovery support services to those seeking or sustain recovery within the community. Essential Job Functions include those listed below.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Educate and refer clients to community agencies and businesses that appropriately address their need for food, shelter, clothing, employment, transportation, social service benefits, etc.
• Provide services that promote wellness, recovery, and resiliency.
• Assist clients with establishing or re-establishing support systems within their community.
• Function as advocate on behalf of the patient to improve access to needed services, information, or treatment.
• Participate in clinical staffing decisions regarding the patients’ current strengths and resources and their need for additional resources.
• Provide support and supervision to program clients.
• Assist other WestCare staff as needed in a collaborative manner to promote cooperation and portray a professional image to the community.
• Facility involvement in recovery-related activities and assist in planning, organization, and facility group recreational and social activities.
• Must Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation; and
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Experience and Competencies:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Compassion, empathy, and a non-judgmental approach towards individuals with substance use disorders.
• Understanding to talk to and communicate with clients in an effective and appropriate manner.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is preferred.
• Adherence to the highest standard of ethical conduct, especially to standards governing confidentiality.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain DCF Level II background clearance.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain and maintain WestCare’s vehicle insurance is required.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Lived experience and personal recovery from substance use disorders.
• Previous experience in peer support roles or related positions is preferred.
• High School diploma or is equivalent is required.
• An individual may seek certification as a peer specialist if he or she has been in recovery from a substance use disorder or mental illness for at least 2 years.
• Must be able to pass a Level II DCF background check.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION

• CRPS Certification through the Florida Certification Board within one year of hire. Preference will be given to those who already have CRPS Certification.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is primarily performed in an office or in a Residential/Outpatient treatment setting.
• Travel throughout and around the community and outreach is required.
• This position may require flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate client needs and community events.