SUD Peer Support Specialist

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

Benefits at Outside In

Working at Outside In brings with it a sense of accomplishment and pride in being part of a mission that impacts people’s lives. In recognition to those that are a part of this agency, Outside In offers the following benefits to its employees.

Medical Insurance through Kaiser Permanente. Outside In pays 100% of the premium for employee-only coverage, 75% for employee+children, and 66% for employee+spouse or family.

Dental Insurance administered through Moda with plans starting at no cost to employees.

Life Insurance ($50, 000) and AD&D insurance – premiums fully paid by Outside In for employee

403(b) retirement plan through Valic. Employees can contribute on day one and are fully vested. Employer contribution begins after meeting minimum time in service and hours worked requirements, 3% the first year of participation, 6% thereafter.

Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance fully paid for by the employer. We hope you never have to use it, but it’s nice to know it’s there if you need it.

A generous Paid Time Off package starting with 21 days PTO in the first year increases every year until year 6.

Holidays – 10 of them each year

Flex Plans – We have three plans: Health, Dependent Care and Transportation to save you some money on taxes. In fact, to make it even better, Outside In deposits $750 annually into a HRA to help cover your out-of-pocket costs.

Employee Assistant Program (EAP) is there to help you through life’s journey. From counseling to help finding what you need, it’s all there and better yet, it’s free for employees.

Employee Discount Program – Employees can go on line and take advantage of employer discounts on everything from dining to cars.