STAR Peer Specialist

Job Description: STAR Recovery Specialist

The recovery specialists will work with individuals to support and strengthen their capacity to engage in their personal recovery. The competencies and role of the recovery specialist shall include, but are not limited to the following:

Position responsibilities

• In collaboration with the individual, develop a Recovery Plan which should include culturally competent and relevant services that identifies goals with measurable objectives, assesses strengths, can be used to work towards those goals, identifies barriers that can inhibit goal attainment, and monitors the progress made attaining those goals;
• Educate the individuals on how to appropriately navigate treatment, social service and recovery support systems;
• Provide recovery support services based on the individual’s preference and his/her assessed needs;
• Support individuals as they move through the stages of change to encourage them in their recovery;
• Assist individuals with accessing recovery support services in the community;
• Work collaboratively with the case manager to ensure the individual engages in services up to one year;
• Be a positive role model by sharing experiential knowledge, hope, and skills;
• Maintain relationships with the individual in order to assist him/her in the treatment engagement and retention process;
• Reinforce, guide, and ensure the individual that recovery is possible, and is built on multiple strengths, coping abilities, and the resources of each individual;
• Assist the individual participating in STAR with gaining skills and resources needed to initiate and maintain recovery;
• Assist in establishing and sustaining a social and physical environment supportive of recovery;
• Enhance identification and participation in the recovery community;
• Advocate for appropriate and effective community treatment and recovery;
• Empower individuals to make self-determined and self-directed choices about their recovery pathway;
• Provide support with face to face sessions and/or telephone support based on individual’s personal choice; Maintain follow-up one year after starting STAR program; and Help individuals maintain healthy community, family and social functioning.
• The recovery specialist will be required to attend a three (3) day DMHAS State mandated training that delineates peer role functions, competencies, responsibilities and includes an orientation to DMHAS multiple treatment initiatives.

Required duties and responsibilities

• Must be on-call and available outside of work hours to meet the needs of the client.
• Must be able to perform work responsibilities in various locations.
• Must possess excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Must be sensitive, flexible and responsive to gender, race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, religion, age, sexual orientation or any other special needs as reflected in the ability to communicate with staff and/or clients.
• Must be proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and possess basic computer skills.
• Must be available to attend weekend and evening meetings and events as required.
• Must be able to work both independently and in a team environment.
• Must possess the time management skills necessary to organize and manage multiple priorities and tasks.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S and New Jersey.
• Must possess the ability to serve as a representative of Prevention Links, upholding agency’s expectation of excellence and collaboration.
• Must maintain an understanding of all programs, grants, and projects offered by Prevention Links.
• Must adhere to Prevention Links administrative, reporting and recordkeeping guidelines to support accurate documentation of activities.
• Must participate in all agency required training.
• Must be able to speak and write English.
• Must be able to walk, stand and sit for long periods of time.
• Must be able to lift 25 pounds.
• Must possess a valid New Jersey Driver’s License and an independent mode of transportation.
• Must complete all other duties and tasks as requested by the Peer Supervisor or Recovery Support Director.

NOTE

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. Job descriptions can be revised and updated periodically to meet the needs of the organization.

Education and experience

A minimum associate’s degree is preferred for the recovery specialist; high school diploma or equivalency required. The recovery specialist must have two years’ experience in the guiding principles of recovery that assist individuals to improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and reach their full potential.

TRAVEL

Domestic travel may be required for this full-time position. Local, independent travel is required.

Evening and weekend availability: Must be available evenings and weekends