Peer Recovery Specialist

St Johns Community Health•San Bernardino, CA

About The Position

The Peer Recovery Specialist position working within the Re-Entry Department, counsels and advises individuals with SUD/MAT addictions including but not limited to alcohol, tobacco, drug, and/or other addictions. May counsel individuals, families, groups, or engage in prevention programs. The principles of harm reduction include, humanism, pragmatism, individualism, autonomy, incrementalism, and accountability without termination.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or AA
Minimum of two years’ experience as a Substance Abuse Counselor or work-related experience in a community behavioral health environment.
Experience and knowledge of multi-ethnic and underserved communities.
Bilingual in Spanish and English (Required).
Demonstrated experience in a Managed Care setting or Drug Medical setting.
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation.
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral disorders.
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins.

Responsibilities

Counsel clients and patients, individually and in group sessions, to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, and making changes.
Complete and maintain accurate records and reports regarding the patients' histories and progress, services provided, and other required information.
Develop client treatment plans based on research, clinical experience, and client histories.
Review and evaluate clients' progress in relation to measurable goals described in treatment and care plans.
Interview clients, review records, and confer with other professionals to evaluate individuals' mental and physical condition, and to determine their suitability for participation in a specific program.
Intervene as advocate for clients or patients to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.
Provide clients or family members with information about addiction issues and about available services and programs, making appropriate referrals when necessary.
Modify treatment plans to comply with changes in client status.
Coordinate counseling efforts with mental health professionals and other health professionals such as doctors, nurses, and social workers.
Plan and implement follow-up and aftercare programs for clients to be discharged from treatment programs.
Conduct chemical dependency program orientation sessions.
Counsel family members to assist them in understanding, dealing with, and supporting clients or patients.
Participate in case conferences and staff meetings.
Coordinate activities with courts, probation officers, community services and other post-treatment agencies.
Confer with family members or others close to clients to keep them informed of treatment planning and progress.
Follow progress of discharged patients to determine effectiveness of treatments
Other responsibilities as assigned by Supervisor