A Social or Human Services Specialist identifies and arranges community services for clients. Can involve coordination of services for people with disabilities or those in recovery. They may also coordinate housing or job training assistance for immigrants, veterans, former inmates or families in crisis and can be involved in advocating for client needs.
All youth experiencing homelessness and youth at risk of being homeless are empowered to be contributing, self-supporting members of their community.
JOB DESCRIPTION TITLE
Peer Support Specialist
REPORTS TO
Peer Support Supervisor
EMPLOYMENT STATUS
Regular, full-time
CLASSIFICATION
Hourly
LOCATION
300 North Willow Street, Wasilla
AK 99654 FLSA STATUS
Non-exempt
GENERAL FUNCTIONS
The Peer Support Specialist is part of a team, responsible for role modeling overall wellness to all individuals who receive services at My House. This position will utilize WRAP curriculum and work directly with clients to model recovery and hold a strong belief that all people can flourish and recover. The Peer Support Specialist will role model being an advocate in the recovery community and participate in community activities while seeking out opportunities to share their story. At My House , a Peer is defined as someone with personal lived experience with substance use or mental health conditions and who has been in remission for at least Two years.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide peer support services in accordance with the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) curriculum. Encourage and model recovery and resilience in ways that are specific to the needs of each individual. Assist peers in self-advocacy and social connections. Provide Crisis Stabilization services in accordance with state guidelines: To include crisis and post crisis planning. Hold the role of advocate for the organization, as well as the youth, as needed. Work with family members, the court system, social service agencies, hospitals, and other service providers to offer peer services for community members and clients. Seek out community opportunities to discuss peer services and living in recovery. Attend case staffing and provide feedback during case management and staff meetings. Communicate effectively and be part of a team of staff professionals working together to support and encourage youth to set and accomplish goals, establish healthy boundaries and become productive. Maintain a professional posture with clients, community members and partners at all times, using appropriate language and positive feedback designed to offer constructive growth that benefits the overall mission. Represent MY House in a positive and proactive manner at all times. Continue to stay current on training and education needed to perform duties to a high standard Facilitate the prompt completion of housing applications, move-ins and move-outs. Enforces house rules and guidelines by providing support, guidance and oversight that hold youth accountable in the upkeep of the home. Other duties and tasks as negotiated.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
High school diploma or general equivalency degree Certified as a Peer Support Professional I (PSP I) and able to obtain (PSP II) within 12 months of hire. Two (1) years working in the field of recovery or behavioral health Working knowledge of Motivational Interviewing and Trauma-Informed Care Strong understanding of community resources and referral agencies If in recovery, must be in remission for two (2) year's and working a program of recovery CPR/First Aid/AED certified or able to obtain within 90 days of hire Continued employment is contingent upon receipt of a satisfactory State and Federal background check, approved National Provider Identifier Standard (NPI) status, and State Approval as a Qualified Addictions Professional (QAP) or a Provisional (QAP) Must have a valid Alaska Driver's License and insurable under My House vehicle insurance
PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS
Associate's degree in social work, Psychology, Human Services, Counseling, or Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling. Relevant experience may substitute for educational requirement on a year for year basis. Certified as a Peer Support Professional III (PSP III) Working knowledge of trafficking systems and culture Three (3) years' experience working in peer services Current CPR/First Aid/AED certified Current NPI, QAP and Medicaid enrollment
SKILLS/COMPETENCIES
Ability to clearly tell your own story and advocate for others to tell their story Demonstrate the ability to respond to crisis situations and emergencies Ability to deescalate agitated clients Ability to maintain healthy boundaries with clients Demonstrate flexibility, adaptability, and initiative Working knowledge of health care portability act (42CFR and HIPPA) Demonstrate positive work ethic Ability to communicate proficiently, verbally and in writing
