Peer Recovery Support Specialist I - SUD

Tarzana Treatment Centers•Long Beach, CA

2h•$28 - $31

About The Position

The Peer Recovery Support Specialist I works in a dynamic, fast-paced outpatient substance use disorder clinic. Duties include collecting and documenting urine analyses, supporting the Contingency Management program, which rewards patients who remain substance-negative, and facilitating some groups. The role involves obtaining Peer Support Specialist education and certification after hire, which may be completed through TTC’s online college. The employer seeks someone with a strong work ethic, patience, and excellent customer service skills. The position also provides peer recovery support and assistance with patient orientation, wellness, recovery, community living skills, and connection to community resources. The posting lists duties that may apply to inpatient and residential units as well as outpatient programs. The schedule is eight hours per day, five days per week. Tarzana Treatment Centers, Inc. is a nonprofit corporation providing behavioral healthcare services, including chemical dependency treatment.

Requirements

High school diploma or above.
Class C license, or Class B license if required by job assignment.
Computer literacy.
Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification (PSSC); the position summary also states that education and certification are obtained after hire.
At least one year of experience in behavioral healthcare and/or providing peer support services.
Strong work ethic, patience, and excellent customer service skills.

Responsibilities

Orient new patients, including providing a unit tour, patient handbook, group schedule, and linens.
Assist with data entry in Avatar for admissions and discharges as assigned.
Supervise and monitor patient activities and whereabouts, including documenting patient census counts overnight in inpatient and residential units.
Conduct patient body and property searches according to policy and maintain annual certification in these procedures.
Perform patient urine analysis testing according to policy and maintain annual certification in these procedures.
Perform medication calls in inpatient and residential units.
Support daily unit cleanliness by ensuring patients clean up after themselves in areas such as meal spaces, group rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms.
Assist the treatment team in coordinating health services across mental health, substance use disorder, housing, and primary medical care.
Encourage patient engagement and self-management to promote wellness and recovery.
Teach patients tools and strategies to cope, problem-solve, and manage behavioral health needs.
Help patients identify and build on their strengths and resiliencies.
Help patients develop community living skills and use community resources, including by discussing transitions and accompanying them through new activities.
Attend assigned trainings and required staff meetings, and pursue continuing education and professional development.
Communicate with staff about patient behavior, progress, and activities.
Maintain professional conduct in dress, language, attitude, and behavior, and support the agency’s philosophy and objectives.
Conduct alarm checks during shift changes in inpatient and residential units.
Escort and transport patients to and from activities and events, and assist during activities as needed.
Provide ongoing recovery guidance related to areas such as 12-step programs, housing, vocational training, employment, and other community services.
Maintain patient confidentiality in accordance with agency policy and federal law.
Encourage patients to develop independent behavior based on choice rather than compliance, and provide consistent support during ordinary and extraordinary circumstances.
Help patients address negative self-talk and fears and develop problem-solving skills.
Model wellness and recovery and provide mutual, respectful peer support.
Follow the code of ethics and uphold patient rights.
Share a personal recovery story in a way that promotes recovery and hope, benefits patients, and maintains professional boundaries.
Administer waived tests, including urine pregnancy, blood glucose, breath alcohol, urine drug screen, hemoglobin A1c, COVID-19, influenza A+B, and fentanyl urine tests; maintain required annual waived-testing training and requirements.