A Peer Support Specialist is a member of the community they serve and builds trust through sharing similar life experiences. A Peer Support Specialist is also an agent of system change by confronting stigma within systems and communities and providing a role model for recovery. The Substance Use Peer Support Specialist position is a part of the Behavioral Health department working with the Clinic and Health Services, Integrated Behavioral Health and Medication Assisted Treatment teams. A person in self-defined recovery from problem substance use with one year abstinence.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Provides 1:1 peer support and service to those being served

• Assist with education, setting appointments, and referrals (as requested)

• Contribute to goal setting, needs assessment and emphasizing strength of peer’s voice

• Provide peer support during transitions and assist with natural supports and formal services

• Actively collaborates with peer and hospitals, other healthcare services, harm-reduction, SUD/MH treatment, and recovery support services teams

• Conduct community-based engagement and empowerment activities regarding behavioral health and wellness

• Provide continuity of communication between peers, social supports, and care providers

• Make presentations at agencies and community events with coaching (if necessary)

• Assist individual peers to meet their own self-guided physical, psychological, social, and emotional short-term and long-term needs

• Assist peers with establishing support networks

• Provide support and services at times and locations as mutually agreed upon

• Inform, motivate, and assist individuals to receive effective and culturally appropriate services

• Plan and facilitate support groups (i.e./ art in recovery, wellbreity, etc.)

• Meet with peers on regular basis whether in person, virtually, or over phone (as preferred by peer)

• Advocate for the needs and perspectives of individuals in OI services and communities we serve

• Support client directed services and program management

• Participate in evaluating programs and service systems

• Documents and maintains peer-focused support summaries in a manner that assures compliance

• Maintains accurate and up-to-date documentation

• All services shall be provided in a trauma aware, trauma informed and culturally responsive manner

Success of the above roles are dependent on knowledge and skills gained from life experiences like that of the peer being assisted. This list is not intended to be either prescription or all-inclusive

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Knowledge

• Knowledge related to navigating active substance use and houselessness

• Principles and practices of harm reduction

• Understanding of ways of reducing harm and health consequences associated with substance use

• Knowledge about Ballot Measure 110 desirable

• Knowledge of Naloxone and overdose prevention

• Crisis prevention or de-escalation tools

Skills

• Ability to work with a diverse population and interact effectively with diverse types of people, especially current/former PWUD (people who use drugs)

• Effective communication and conflict resolution skills

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively

• Ability to collect and document data in a professional, thorough, and timely manner

• Commitment to continual learning, self-awareness, and self-improvement

• Ability to set and maintain professional boundaries

Education / Experience

• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination status or approved medical or religious exception on file is required

• Self-identification as a peer to those who have used or who are using drugs

• Eligible and able to be State Certified as an Addiction Peer Support Specialist

preferred skills

• Bilingual (preferred)

• Able to advise and help navigate the criminal justice system as it relates to drug use

• One year experience working in a behavioral health treatment setting and/or providing peer support mentoring or services

• Peer Support Specialist certification or equivalency

• Valid driver’s license and auto insurance

Working Conditions

This job includes working in an office environment, in community and at other community-based organizations. This means that the employee will meet with peers in community locations which may include the participant’s home, syringe access services/harm reduction center, clinical facilities, etc.

Physical Requirements

• Must pass pre-employment background check including clearance by DHS Background Check Unit

• Must be able to fulfill the listed duties within this position description with or without reasonable accommodations