PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST

Pasquotank-County-; North Carolina; On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Pasquotank County seeks a paraprofessional to support overdose survivors through outreach, education and follow-up, as part of the PORT team. The role involves collaboration with the Opioid Response Coordinator, EMS Chief, jail and hospital settings, and delivering naloxone training and harm-reduction education.

The position requires certification as a Peer Support Specialist, strong communication skills, HIPAA awareness, and the ability to work flexible hours including some evenings.

Qualifications

• Certification as Peer Support Specialist.
• Basic knowledge of personal safety standards.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Knowledge of Public Health principles, practices and procedures.
• Ability to problem solve and make decisions, and work independently.
• Ability to use computers and applicable software.
• Ability to maintain HIPAA compliance in daily tasks.

Responsibilities

• Provide support, education, outreach, training and follow-up to overdose survivors.
• Coordinate with PORT and EMS staff on opioid response activities.
• Connect with overdose survivors within 24–72 hours and during 30/60/90 day follow ups.
• Deliver harm reduction education and naloxone administration training.
• Facilitate peer support meetings and connect clients to services.
• Maintain records and submit documentation accurately and on time.

Skills

Peer support advocacy

Safety standards

Written & verbal communication

Public health knowledge

Problem solving

Computers & software

HIPAA compliance

Independence

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Education

Peer Support Specialist Certification

Tools

Computer software

Job description

Paraprofessional level work in providing support, education, outreach, training and follow-up to overdose survivors in the County. Must have the ability to work as a team member and be able to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings. As an active member of the Post Overdose Response Team (PORT), this position reports to the Opioid Response Coordinator and the EMS Chief and integrates with EMS staff at opioid-based emergency scenes. Work is performed under the General supervision of the Opioid Response Coordinator.

• Works closely with the Opioid Response Coordinator Community Partnership Paramedicine Program (CPPP) Technicians as an active member of the Post Overdose Response Team (PORT).
• Works with Albemarle District Jail to provide peer support care and reentry support for those recently released from incarceration.
• Connects with overdose survivors within 24 to 72 hours of the overdose incident, then for the 30-day, 60-day, and 90-day follow ups(along with other members of PORT).
• Integrates with credentialed EMS staff to deliver the best possible peer support outcome.
• Provides harm reduction education, outreach and naloxone administration training to individuals and groups.
• Promotes wellness management strategies, which include delivering therapeutic interventions (e.g., Wellness Recovery Action Planning and/or Illness Management and Recovery).
• Coordinates and facilitates harm reduction peer support group meetings twice a month and encourages clients and other individuals to attend training sessions and support group meetings.
• Maintains a weekly record of clients connected to support andservices;prepares and submits documentation to the Opioid Response Coordinator accurately and on time.
• Maintains professional boundaries while working with sensitiveissues.
• Mustbe comfortable working with a diverse group of people.
• Addresses and discusses social and drug-related issues and experiences in a non-judgmental manner with individuals and groups.
• Attends the Opioid Settlement Funds Advisory Committee Meetings and any other identified meetings and trainings.
• Works within the jail, prison and/or local hospital to provide peer support care.
• Models recovery values, attitudes, beliefs and personal action to encourage wellness and resilience.
• Assist clients by finding resources, encouraging follow through with proposed resolutions, locating social activities, and providing other assistance as needed.
• Models effective coping and self-help techniques to individuals or groups of consumers.
• Actively participates in new or ongoing projects and programs as set forth under the Opioid MOA.

• Certification as Peer Support Specialist.
• Basic knowledge of personal safety standards, safety techniques and safety principles that guide home visits.
• Possession of excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Provides support to the Pasquotank County Recovery Court.
• Other assigned duties.

• General knowledge of Public Heath principle, practices, and procedures.
• General knowledge and skills in the use of education/training principles.
• Skill in problem solving and decision making, and the ability to work independently.
• Skill in the use of computers and applicable software.
• Ability to comprehend and apply the Federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996, and the current Privacy and Security Amendments of the Act.
• Ability to assess, plan, develop, implement, and evaluate using a variety of methodologies.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, clients, and the general public.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.