Peer Recovery Support Specialist (Bilingual)

Santa Cruz Community Health•Santa Cruz, CA

8d•$27 - $32•Hybrid

About The Position

The bilingual Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS) provides substance use, recovery-oriented, culturally appropriate services that promote engagement, socialization, self-sufficiency, self-advocacy, promotes natural support and are trauma aware. The PRSS provides support for patients as they look to overcome substance use and mental health disorders. The PRSS provides services and coaching to encourage and support patients to participate in behavioral health treatment. These services may include, but are not limited to, advocacy on behalf of the patient; promotion of self-advocacy; resource navigation; and collaboration with the patients and others providing care or support to the patient, family members, or significant support persons. May provide substance use counseling if candidate possesses the correct qualifications. May participate in peer group or individual counseling activities.

Requirements

Must have a high school diploma, GED or equivalent degree or experience
Certified Peer Support Specialist (or ability to become certified when able) and adhere to regulatory guidelines
Bilingual - fluent in English and Spanish
Be self-identified as having lived experience with the process of recovery from substance use disorders, mental health disorders, or both, either as a consumer of these services or as the parent or family member of the consumer and be willing to share your experience
Proven work experience as a Peer Recovery Support Specialist or similar role
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to learn to use the Electronic Health Record efficiently
Ability to listen to and discuss sensitive issues with patients and their families
Highly compassionate and attentive to details
The ability to work an evening shift and flexibility in schedule to accommodate patient need

Nice To Haves

Relevant training and/or certification as a Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist
Registered or certified addiction treatment counselor
Certification as a drug and alcohol counselor (e.g. CADC, RAS, AOD, CAADE)

Responsibilities

Meet with patients regularly to offer one-on-one and/or group support and counseling
Implement recovery plans, provide coping skills guidance, and rehabilitation strategies with the patient
Arrange medical appointments, therapy sessions, support groups, and other resources to aid the client in their treatment and recovery plan
May accompany patients to appointments, meetings, and other activities in the community
Monitor the client’s behavior, schedule, medication, and activities
Report any unusual behavior, conflicts, or recovery challenges to the relevant professionals
Liaise with family members, patient’s support network and medical professionals regularly
Coordinate client logistics such as medical appointments and therapy sessions, among others
Conduct SUD assessments (if qualified SUD counselor) and provide feedback to the patient, medical professionals, and the support team
Community meetings and collaboration as assigned and approved by supervisor
Respond to urgent patient needs as appropriate in collaboration with the care team and supervisor
Completes documentation in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) in a timely manner and adheres to clinical documentation standards
Assist patients with movement between levels of care such as if a patient requires inpatient or other treatment modalities
Other duties as assigned