Forensic Peer Support Specialist

Unity Recovery•Pittsburgh, PA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The hired candidates will work within a community center and carceral setting to provide re-entry peer support (e.g., forensic peer services) to individuals with current and past carceral system involvement. The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) will work in partnership with all individuals who may benefit from peer support services. The PSS will deliver services in line with their training and based on the needs of the individuals engaged in their assigned program. The PSS will serve as a role model, mentor, advocate, navigator, and motivator to individuals in or seeking recovery in an effort to promote recovery and/or re-entry planning and goal realizations, which may include reductions in harm from substance use and sustaining long-term recovery. The PSS must demonstrate an ability to facilitate recovery and/or re-entry planning that follows diverse recovery pathways (including medication and moderation), consciously share personal recovery experiences as appropriate, develop authentic peer-to-peer relationships, and have an understanding of and respect for each individual’s unique path to recovery and/or reintegration into the community.

Requirements

Certified Recovery Specialist, Certified Peer Specialist, or Certified Family Recovery Support Specialist (or eligible to earn the respective certification within 6 months of hire) with at least one year of experience working in community-based settings.
High degree of technological literacy, or willingness to acquire these skills as part of employment
Background checks may be required for staff that will work with youth, inside criminal justice settings, or other settings as determined by Executive Leadership
Reliable and insured personal transportation.

Nice To Haves

Forensic peer support designation
Experience providing re-entry peer services in any setting

Responsibilities

Work five in person days per week as scheduled and have availability of at least one weekend day each week.
Provide peer-based support services to individuals contemplating or actively seeking help with behavioral health recovery and/or community-based re-entry.
Engage in relationship building with individuals to establish rapport, as evidenced by empathetic and active listening and communicating in a non-judgmental way.
Participate in daily shift debriefs, as well as weekly individual supervision, and monthly group supervision.
Administrative duties include recovery plan creation, data tracking and entry, and regular digital communication via email, group messaging apps, etc.
Conduct self in an ethical manner by adhering to the state certifying body codes of ethics.
Follow and adhere to the recovery bill of rights.
Provide recovery education to individuals for every phase of the recovery journey from pre-recovery engagement, recovery initiation, recovery stabilization, and sustained recovery.
Identify emergency or crisis situations and facilitate access to appropriate resources, negotiating and connecting individuals with resources and navigating systems.
Assist in the development and enhancement of an individual’s comprehensive individualized recovery and/or re-entry plan, recognizing many pathways to recovery, accessing and advocating for recovery and community resources.
Collaborate with institutions to provide effective peer support services to identified individuals.
Actively identify and support linkages to community resources (communities of recovery, educational, vocational, social, cultural, spiritual resources, mutual aid groups, professional services, etc.) that support the individual’s goals and interests.
Assist the individual to identify and prioritize strengths and needs, using various techniques that engage individuals to self-disclose and engage in change oriented actions.
Maintain project logs, reports, and accurate records in appropriate files and database(s), adhering to program standards.
Maintain confidentiality regarding information received during the facilitation of recovery support services – maintain current understanding of federal, state and local confidentiality rules and regulations.
Engage in continuing professional development relative to peer support services, applying practical and professional knowledge and experience.
Maintain Peer Support credential.
Other duties as directed by Peer Supervisor, Program Director, or local Services Director