Peer Recovery Supporter

Community for New Direction; Kentucky; On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Community for New Direction in Kentucky is seeking a Recovery Support Specialist to provide essential peer recovery support services to individuals with severe mental illness. This role involves acting as an advocate for clients, helping them navigate their recovery journeys while also empowering them through supportive activities.

The ideal candidate should possess a High School Diploma or GED, have relevant lived experience, and have been sober for a minimum of two years. Knowledge of Microsoft Office and good communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Must have lived experience with a behavioral health diagnosis and be certified as a Peer Recovery Specialist.
• Minimum of two years of sobriety in mental health or substance abuse or homelessness.
• Satisfactory completion of Peer Supporter training and certification within two months of employment.

Responsibilities

• Provide peer recovery support services to individuals with severe mental illness.
• Act as client advocate and role model to peers.
• Develop and maintain relationships with clients’ healthcare providers.
• Assist clients with daily living skills and access to social services.
• Facilitate recovery support groups.

Skills

Good to excellent spelling and grammar

Professional boundaries

Transportation skills

Proficient in Microsoft Office

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

This Recovery Support Specialist will provide peer recovery support services to individuals with severe mental illness. The Recovery Support Specialist is a person with a lived experience with mental health and/or substance use disorder. This person will work with a multidisciplinary team to support the individuals with struggles pertaining to mental health, psychological trauma, or substance use. This position will afford the opportunity to empower individuals who have lived and walked the path of recovery from a lived experience to assist others in their journeys of recovery.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Work Hours Monday - Thursday 7am to 3pm and Sunday 3pm to 11pm
2. The Recovery Support Specialist will act as client advocate and role model to peers, exhibiting competency in personal recovery and wellness.
3. Develops good working relationships with clients’ healthcare providers to assist with accomplishing clients' goals.
4. Assists clients in accessing social services and monitors progress of recovery and wellness.
5. Assists clients and residents with developing and maintaining Activities of Daily Living skills (ADL), such as cooking, housekeeping, personal hygiene, budgeting or shopping, etc.
6. Provides transportation services as needed, and when necessary, accompanies residents to medical appointments, employment sites, etc.
7. Facilitates ongoing recovery support groups to teach residents about healthy social interaction, overcoming fears, problem solving, and increasing overall personal wellness and recovery.
8. Provides consumer information and recovery support onsite and in the community.
9. Assists clients with diverse cultural backgrounds in regaining independence within the community and mastery over their own recovery process.
10. Continues to encourage independence related to involvement in the community and accessing necessary services when needed.
11. Attends Peer Support educational programs, trainings, conferences, and workshops to improve on existing job knowledge, broaden your horizon, and obtain continued education.
12. Performs other duties as assigned to promote the overall mission and vision of CND and other areas deemed necessary by the Clinical Director and the CEO.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Education

High School Diploma or GED.

Lived Experience

Recovery Support Specialists must have lived experience with a behavioral health diagnosis, must be certified as a Peer Recovery Specialist, and must have a minimum of two years of sobriety in mental health or substance abuse or homelessness.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

1. Good to excellent spelling, grammar and written communication skills.
2. Must be able to demonstrate clear, professional boundaries.
3. Must be able to drive, have own transportation, and transport clients at times in own vehicle.
4. Satisfactory completion of Peer Supporter training and Peer Supporter certification at time of hiring or within the first two months of employment.

Computer Skills

Proficient in use of personal computer and related software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint) use of office equipment (e.g., fax, copier, printer).

Other Requirements

Must possess a valid Ohio driver's license; must pass a criminal background check and a pre-employment drug screen.