Peer Support Specialist

Participate in Transition to Independence Process (TIP) trainings and become competent in the model that will be utilized as the foundational structure of services.

Participate in SBIRT trainings and become competent in the model to utilize with community members and local hospital institutions that will promote early screening/intervention and connection to services.

Develop and maintain relationships with clients while maintaining healthy and professional boundaries, interacting with the client’s in a manner conducive to their safety, dignity, privacy, and security.

Work to motivate their peers through positive means, highlighting strengths and resources. PSS can facilitate change through goal setting, education, and skills building

Responsible for maintaining no less than 20 hours per week of direct client services (15 billable and 5 non-billable activities).

PSS will facilitate therapeutic behavioral health and case management services that assist and enhance one's recovery and integration into the community

Complete timely documentation for each recovery service provided. All documentation is to comply with overseeing state or federal guidelines. Additional reports and request may be made from leadership team.

Model and teach clients vital life skills that will aid in their success.

Peer Support Specialist will be required to drive personal vehicle for client support and will be reimbursed accordingly.

Ability to build rapport with clients and staff while maintaining professional boundaries

Understanding of being trauma informed and cultural considerations such as race, ethnicity, language and other cultural considerations that could impact peer support work.

Maintains client confidentiality and safeguards client information per 42 C.F.R. Part 2 and HIPAA privacy and security regulations.

Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Lived experience in addiction and recovery, and/or experience overcoming mental health and symptoms with a minimum of two years of sobriety/recovery of either and must be active in their own recovery by participating in practices that support self-care, health, and over-all well-being.
• If VOA Alumni, discharged from active client status for 1 year.
• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Has qualifications to be a Qualified Addiction Professional or Peer Support Specialist as defined by the State of Alaska. If not current, can be achieved within 3 years of hire.
• Qualified Addiction Professional (QAP): Chemical Dependency Certification level II (CDC II) and/or National Certificated Addiction Counselor I (NCAC I)
• Peer Support Specialist (PSS): The ability to self-identify as someone who has lived experience of recovery from mental illness and/or addiction.
• A current and valid driver’s license
• Can qualify for VOA’s automobile insurance and/or proof of vehicle insurance coverage
• Reliable transportation
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Ability to work flexible hours (including days, evenings, weekend hours and Holidays.) Ability to safely transport clients in agency’s vehicle if required.
• Ability to participate in recreational activities; such as hikes, and/or indoor/outdoor events with clients.
• Bilingual in Spanish preferred.

Working Conditions

Acknowledgement

Every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position. However, this job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties you may be required to perform. The omission of specific descriptions of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or can be considered essential to this position.