Certified Peer Specialist

Title:                       Certified Peer Specialist

Program:                Harm Reduction Program- Kenton Hall

Salary Range:        $42,000- $45,000 + Benefits

Duration:                12 months (possibility of contract renewal)

Schedule:               Mon.-Friday, 4-day work schedule option  

Program:

East Third Street is an emergency men’s shelter which helps 175 individuals with substance abuse histories work towards health, sobriety, and, ultimately, permanent housing and employment. In addition to lodging and three meals a day, clients receive comprehensive case management services, plus an array of on-site substance abuse related and health care services provided by different programs such as Medically Supervised Outpatient Withdrawal Services, (MSOWS), Chemical Dependency Crisis Service (CDCS), and Outpatient Recovery Center.

Overall Responsibilities

Work exclusively in shelter programs whose clients who are struggling with substance use, experienced trauma, and living with psychiatric illnesses.  in mental health or substance use recovery. Provide advocacy, outreach, recovery and crisis support. Assist participants to regain independence within the community and mastery over their own recovery process. Assist participants to identify their own individual warning signs of relapse and identifying and developing individual coping strategies and crisis prevention tools. Provide supportive peer counseling with respect to mental health, substance abuse, rehabilitation strategies and self-help opportunities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The essential duties of the Certified Peer Specialist include but are not limited to the following activities:

• Complete assessments, daily work logs and case notes.
• Meet regularly with participants in the shelter providing peer service
• Provide counseling services including teaching coping skills, relapse prevention strategies, wellness management and social skills to help participants become more independent and achieve their goals.
• Teach independent living skills.
• Assist participants to secure housing.
• Connect participants to community resources and on-site support services.
• Communicate/collaborate with participants’ treatment providers.
• Participate in staff meetings, case conferences, and relevant trainings.
• Conduct daily meetings with clients
• Conduct NARCAN Trainings for both staff and clients
• Conduct groups on a daily basis at assigned shelter site
• Escort clients when needed to appointments, programs
• Other duties as assigned.
• Collaborate with participants assigned case managers to discuss clients needs/progress

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Certification or Provisional Certification as Peer Specialist or Recovery Peer Advocate.
•  Adequate writing and computer skills for completion of reports, case notes, and other documentation as needed in electronic health reporting system.
• Personal lived experience with mental illness or substance use.
• Willingness to share personal experience with others.

Preferred skills:

• Teamwork: Ability to work cooperatively with peers and other staff in order to serve the needs of clients as effectively as possible  
• Communication: Ability to effectively communicate with all levels of staff and with clients
• Computer: Proficiency in Microsoft Teams, Word, and Outlook
• Language: Bilingual or multilingual a plus

All newly hired Project Renewal staff must provide verification of being fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

We offer attractive compensation with comprehensive benefits including: Medical/Dental/Prescription/Vision/Life Insurance;403(b); FSAs (health care, dependent care & commuter expenses); Short-and-Long-Term Disability; Generous Paid Vacation, Personal Days, Sick and Holidays