Peer Specialist (Restoration Center)

Vinfen•Lowell, MA

About The Position

Overview The Restoration Center Certified Peer Specialist promotes the engagement, hope and the full integration and functioning of Persons Served (PS) needed to live successfully in the community. Provides Peer Support Services; helps PS explore their options and gain the confidence, skills, and resources needed to succeed in goals. Responsibilities Job Duties and Responsibilities: Supports implementation of interventions outlined in person served’s Restoration Center Support Plan. Provides support, education and advocacy to PS, especially at times of service and life transitions; for example, being discharged from a hospital, detoxification unit or respite setting, moving to their own apartment, or when facing life stage challenges – particularly for young adults and elders. Engages PS in non-directive and supportive relationships that promote empowerment and self-learning. Assists PS in linking to other community services and Recovery networks – both actual and electronic. Facilitates Peer Support groups. Provide access to recovery tools and resources for PS. Connects PS with both psychiatric conditions and substance misuse/addiction to Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA) Groups. Provides information and training on recovery and self-management plans and strategies – including facilitating the PS’s completion of a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) individually or in a group. Promotes initial and sustained engagement of PS. Maintains close contact with PS who struggle with initial or sustained engagement in Restoration Center services. Promotes healthcare and employment services access for PS. Promotes engagement, safe housing, community tenure, achievement of greater self-sufficiency and successful completion of service for all PS. Helps maximize choices available to PS as well as their self-determination and participation and decision-making in the planning, delivery and evaluation of their treatment, care coordination, and support services. Assists PS in strengthening relationships with family and friends. Provides direct support to families. Helps PS develop self-advocacy skills, individually or in groups. Provides on-going problem solving, skill training, and side-by-side support to help PSs improve their daily living skills and abilities. Models effective coping techniques and self-help strategies for PS. Teaches and consults with Restoration Center staff to reinforce and improve their understanding of the perspectives of Persons Served and to use processes and strategies conducive to recovery. Uses recovery-oriented, person-centered, motivational interviewing, harm- reduction, Housing First, Stages of Change, Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP); trauma-informed, culturally competent, and strengths-based approaches to help PS think through their current life circumstances compared to their hopes and plans for the future. Facilitates Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) groups. Receives role-specific, on-the-job Peer Supervision, feedback, coaching and consultation from Manager of Peer Services regularly. Engages as a member of the Peer Specialist Community of Practice Workgroup, for continuous role competency development and learning. Completes needed documentation only in accordance with Certified Peer Specialist training standards. Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Requirements

Willing to use and share his/her personal, practical experience of recovery process, wellness management, and the personal effort and commitment required for PS to have a full and satisfying life in the community.
Strong commitments to the right and ability of people served to live, work, have meaningful relationships, and receive the resources and supports needed in their community of choice.
Knowledge of Peer Support and other applicable Codes of Ethics standards and practices.
Knowledge of person-centered, strengths-based, recovery-oriented values, principles and modalities.
Ability to create and maintain supportive, trusting relationships with persons served.
Commitment to maintain confidentiality of persons served.
Knowledge of engagement and participatory planning techniques.
Sensitivity to the cultural, religious, ethnic, disability, and gender differences of persons served.
Knowledge and use of advocacy techniques.
Respect for and knowledge of legal, civil, and human rights of persons served.
Knowledge of community and other resources.
Ability to work independently as well as a part of a team.
Ability to promote psychiatric advance directives and relapse prevention techniques.
Ability to balance competing priorities.
Ability to make independent judgments and decisions.
Knowledge of personal computer applications and equipment.
Personal, first-hand experience (not just having a friend or family member) being a recipient of the mental health system, which encompasses experiences such as psychiatric inpatient hospitalization, outpatient services/therapy, experience with psychiatric medications, and/or participating in mental health groups in the community. While a formal mental health diagnosis is not required, involvement with mental health services must be related to experience with mental health, emotional health and/or trauma resulting in significant life disruption.
Certified Peer Specialist credential strongly preferred. Must become a Certified Peer Specialist within one year of hire
A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
Driving is a requirement for this position using either a Vinfen van or personal vehicle. If using a personal vehicle, you must possess and maintain adequate insurance as well as maintain a safe driving record which is subject to annual checks. A valid driver's license must be presented at the time of employment. Incumbents must be at least 21 years of age, have maintained a valid US driver's license for at least six months, and must be able to pass a driver's screening background check.
Direct Care Roles - Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb as this is a very physically active position. Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or the use of a two-person lift. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer. Ability to sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways. Ability to assist clients with tasks of daily living. Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with clients, staff, and external representatives. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
CPR within 2 weeks of hire
First Aid within 2 weeks of hire

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Bilingual/bicultural applicants are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Supports implementation of interventions outlined in person served’s Restoration Center Support Plan.
Provides support, education and advocacy to PS, especially at times of service and life transitions; for example, being discharged from a hospital, detoxification unit or respite setting, moving to their own apartment, or when facing life stage challenges – particularly for young adults and elders.
Engages PS in non-directive and supportive relationships that promote empowerment and self-learning.
Assists PS in linking to other community services and Recovery networks – both actual and electronic.
Facilitates Peer Support groups. Provide access to recovery tools and resources for PS. Connects PS with both psychiatric conditions and substance misuse/addiction to Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA) Groups.
Provides information and training on recovery and self-management plans and strategies – including facilitating the PS’s completion of a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) individually or in a group.
Promotes initial and sustained engagement of PS. Maintains close contact with PS who struggle with initial or sustained engagement in Restoration Center services.
Promotes healthcare and employment services access for PS.
Promotes engagement, safe housing, community tenure, achievement of greater self-sufficiency and successful completion of service for all PS.
Helps maximize choices available to PS as well as their self-determination and participation and decision-making in the planning, delivery and evaluation of their treatment, care coordination, and support services.
Assists PS in strengthening relationships with family and friends. Provides direct support to families.
Helps PS develop self-advocacy skills, individually or in groups.
Provides on-going problem solving, skill training, and side-by-side support to help PSs improve their daily living skills and abilities. Models effective coping techniques and self-help strategies for PS.
Teaches and consults with Restoration Center staff to reinforce and improve their understanding of the perspectives of Persons Served and to use processes and strategies conducive to recovery.
Uses recovery-oriented, person-centered, motivational interviewing, harm- reduction, Housing First, Stages of Change, Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP); trauma-informed, culturally competent, and strengths-based approaches to help PS think through their current life circumstances compared to their hopes and plans for the future.
Facilitates Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) groups.
Receives role-specific, on-the-job Peer Supervision, feedback, coaching and consultation from Manager of Peer Services regularly.
Engages as a member of the Peer Specialist Community of Practice Workgroup, for continuous role competency development and learning.
Completes needed documentation only in accordance with Certified Peer Specialist training standards.
Performs other related duties, as assigned.