PROJECT SPECIALIST (PEER SUPPORT)

Fairbanks Native Association; Fairbanks (AK); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Fairbanks Native Association is seeking a Peer Specialist for the New Hope Project to provide culturally specific recovery support services for opioid use disorder in Alaska Native communities. The role involves conducting outreach, data reporting, and direct consumer support.

The ideal candidate will have a High School diploma and experience working with AN/AI populations. Skills in communication, cultural sensitivity, and computer operation are essential.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED or equivalent required.
• At least one year of experience working with Alaska Native/Indian populations.
• One year of lived experience with substance abuse or co-occurring disorder.

Responsibilities

• Conduct culturally appropriate outreach to raise awareness of Recovery Support Services.
• Extract and report data on opioid use reduction and system effectiveness.
• Distribute naloxone kits and fentanyl test strips.

Skills

Communication skills

Cultural sensitivity

Computer skills

Ability to assist escalated individuals

Ability to work independently

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Associate’s degree in behavioral health or related field

Tools

Windows

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

The goal of the New Hope Project is to address the opioid epidemic in the American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) community in the Interior region of Alaska. New Hope’s Medicated Assisted Treatment (MAT) Day Treatment Center will provide the hope and impetus necessary for opioid disorder users to achieve a life free of opioid abuse and one of overall wellbeing. The New Hope Project’s overarching goal is to expand and enhance access to medications and treatment for Opioid use Disorder (OUD) in racial and gender minorities (AI/AN) and AI/AN who identify as LGBTQ+.

POSITION SUMMARY

This position delivers recovery support services as a Peer Specialist who can relate to consumer needs identified during Day Treatment transition planning.

JOB DUTIES

• Conducts weekly culturally appropriate outreach to community organizations and leaders to raise awareness of the availability of Recovery Support Services provided by the Behavioral Health Community Coalition and FNA Behavioral Health Services, including the new Healthy Transitions Project.
• Extracts data from collected documentation to report reduction in illicit opioid use, reduction in traumatic stress systems, decreased risk of drug‑related overdoses, and a reduction in disparities.
• Distributes naloxone kits and fentanyl test strips.
• Assists consumers to achieve recovery through referral to system of care recovery supports identified during treatment transition planning.
• Provides one‑on‑one support and encouragement during recovery.
• Facilitates Talking Circle during recovery support.
• Monitors services for cultural competence.
• Conducts follow‑up for up to three (3) months.
• Identifies any emergency needs and transports to emergency services.
• Develops referral activities to meet project goals over the life of the project.
• Shares lived experience with consumers and families.
• Shares experience with navigating mental health system.
• Ensures adherence to data collection requirements and enters accurate and timely data into the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
• Attends mandatory position training that provides training in risk factors as designated by Project Manager and/or Clinical Supervisor.
• Maintains consumer confidentiality in accordance with 42 CFR Part 2 and HIPPA.
• Attends all required staff meetings.
• Performs other job‑related duties as assigned.

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITY

• Ability to report to work in a timely manner.
• Above average skills in operating/using computers and using Windows, Word, and Excel with ability to accurately input information into reporting formats.
• Above average communication and people skills with the ability to accurately follow written and verbal instructions.
• Knowledge on how to best assist possible escalated individuals during data collection process.
• Strong understanding and sensitivity to diverse cultures and lifestyles, with demonstrated experience working effectively with Alaska Native populations.
• Ability to protect confidentiality is essential; HIPAA & 42 CFR compliant.
• Knowledge and ability to interpret/understand billing procedures.
• Skill in managing multiple priorities and tasks concurrently and meeting their deadlines.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with other employees.
• Ability to work independently as well as with teams.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Education & Experience)

• High School diploma, GED or equivalent.
• One (1) year’s experience working with AN/AI population and experience providing culturally specific services.
• One (1) year’s lived experience with substance abuse or co‑occurring disorder.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (Education & Experience)

• Associate’s degree in behavioral health or related field.
• One (1) year’s experience involving program/project management.
• Experience working with the LGBTQ+ community.