PEER SPECIALIST

Fairbanks Native Associ• Fairbanks, AK, US, AK

6d•$25 - $34

About The Position

The Peer Specialist provides mentorship, peer counseling, and recovery navigation to participants and their families in the New Beginnings Recovery Home Project. Grounded in the Athabascan Recovery Model, the role is part of a collaborative treatment team and supports participants from intake through sustained recovery. The position incorporates traditional values, including love for children, family stability, self-sufficiency, and respect for elders, and uses lived experience and a relational approach that honors Alaska Native and Native American healing practices. The Peer Specialist acts as a liaison between participants, families, and clinical staff to develop coping skills, promote wellness, and connect the community with essential services. The project aims to provide comprehensive, coordinated, evidence-based treatment for people experiencing homelessness who have substance abuse and co-occurring mental health conditions, with the goals of reducing substance abuse and improving housing stability. The position requires a non-traditional schedule of Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
One year of experience working with the Alaska Native/American Indian population and providing culturally specific services.
One year of lived experience with homelessness, substance abuse, and/or co-occurring disorder.
Ability to complete Traditional Peer Support Training within one year and then seek State of Alaska Peer Support Specialist Certification.
Knowledge of substance abuse and mental health and appropriate skills for working with consumers with mental health or substance use disorders.
Ability to work successfully with Alaska Native/American Indian populations and provide culturally specific programming, with understanding of and sensitivity to diverse cultures and lifestyles.
Ability to use a Windows computer and Microsoft Word and Excel, and accurately enter information into reporting systems and formats.
Above-average communication and interpersonal skills, and ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately.
Knowledge of how to assist individuals who may be escalated.
Ability to protect confidentiality and maintain HIPAA and 42 CFR compliance.
Ability to interpret and understand billing procedures.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and concurrent tasks and meet deadlines.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with other employees.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to report to work in a timely manner.

Nice To Haves

Peer Support certification.
Associate degree in behavioral health or a related field.
One year of experience involving program/project management.

Responsibilities

Provide recovery support to consumers in Behavioral Health Services treatment centers, including facilitating Talking Circles using evidence-based family training in traditional ways and aligned with the treatment schedule.
Provide recovery support for six months after treatment completion or exit from the Recovery Home through referrals and follow-up with the Behavioral Health Community Coalition (BHCC) system of care.
Collaborate with treatment counselors to develop a Transition Plan one week before treatment completion.
Collaborate with the Clinical Supervisor to develop Recovery Support services for the transition from the Recovery Home.
Work collaboratively on apartment cleanouts, random drug testing, and other assigned efforts.
Share lived experience with consumers and families, including experience navigating the mental health system and homelessness.
Facilitate recurring Life Skills groups or provide Life Skills support independently with consumers.
Provide trauma-informed care and navigation to culturally specific services.
Support consumers during treatment by providing positive feedback and hope.
Maintain a caseload of consumers living in apartments and consumers needing services outside of short-term housing.
Meet data collection requirements and enter accurate, timely information into the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
Develop billing records.
Oversee the safety and security of consumers in the Recovery Center.
Attend mandatory position training on risk factors as designated by the Project Manager and/or Clinical Supervisor.
Maintain consumer confidentiality in accordance with 42 CFR Part 2 and HIPAA.
Attend all required staff meetings.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.