Extra Help - Peer Support Assistant - Institute for Juvenile Research

University of Illinois Chicago•Chicago, IL

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Extra Help Peer Support Assistant will support the clinical trials team in increasing access to treatment for opioid use disorder, which remains prevalent on Chicago's west side. The Extra Help Peer Support Assistant will help grow the network of organizations working to expand services for our city's resource-deprived individuals and in so doing, increase referrals to our institution's federally qualified health clinic, Mile Square Health Center (MSHC). In partnership with MSHC, our clinical trials division will make recovery guiding services available (through the Better Together study) to eligible individuals who begin a new treatment episode with buprenorphine for opioid use disorder.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
One (1) year (12 months) of “lived” experience in sustained recovery and re-entry in the area(s) of specialization inherent to the position: Incarceration, Chronic health management (diabetes, hypertension, cancer, etc.), Mental/behavioral health management, Substance abuse (illicit drug or alcohol dependency).
Based on position and institutional requirements, possession of a valid and current (appropriate) State of Illinois driver’s license and proof of insurance at the time of appointment.
This experience may include personal experience as a parent, guardian, or a loved one you have supported through such a journey.

Nice To Haves

Have lived experience with opioid or other substance use disorders, or familiarity with populations living with substance use and/or behavioral health diagnoses.
Knowledge about local high overdose or drug use risk areas and about organization of places that would facilitate outreach and recruitment of persons with opioid use disorder in a broad range of community settings, for participation in treatment and in the study.
Ability of going to, working in, and engaging and recruiting for participation in the study persons with untreated opioid use disorder in a broad variety of community settings and locations.

Responsibilities

Assists with providing individuals with social services program information.
Develops a rapport with clients/peers to create a safe space where clients/peers can be open and honest about their struggles.
Develop relationships in the community.
Maintains logs of and documents outreach, engagement, and follow-up activities.
Engages in outreach and education activities at community and social service agencies, such as food distribution sites, needle and syringe exchange programs, city service centers, and health fairs or other community events.
Understands and adheres to confidentiality and privacy protections for people with opioid or other substance use.
May be assigned to attend local or national meetings and conferences to discuss peer outreach activities.
Meets regularly with research and outreach team to track and manage community outreach, engagement, recruitment, and follow-up activities and to address recruitment and data retention issues.
Participates in staff meetings, conferences, workshops, seminars, training sessions, and other activities which will provide meaningful learning experiences.
Performs other related duties assigned.
Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.