Peer Specialist- Outpatient/MAT

ENCOMPASS COMMUNITY SERVICES•Santa Cruz, CA

4d•$26 - $26•Hybrid

About The Position

The Peer Specialist for the ALTO Substance Use Disorder Outpatient/Medication for Addiction Treatment and Contingency Management will provide both in-office and community-based peer services, serving adults 18 and over. The Peer Specialist will provide a safe and welcoming environment as an advocate and role model, using trauma-informed practices, motivational interviewing, and endorsing positive development in recovery. The Peer Specialist will provide mentorship by identifying strengths and supporting personal goals. The Peer Specialist will also provide guidance and advocacy in navigating the justice system, substance use services, medical and behavioral health needs, and other community resources, as well as identifying and coordinating with community support providers. The Peer Specialist will help with outreach efforts and early admission screening and linkages, in both internal and external programs and resources (including medical providers). Services will be delivered with dignity and respect for each individual client and a commitment to their right of choice. Peer Specialists will engage in clinical supervision, personal reflection, and regular training to ensure confidence, stability, ethical care, and personal boundaries. Position is scheduled to work 40 hours per week.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED
Self-identified as having experience with the process of recovery from a substance use disorder system and willingness to share experiences to encourage and advocate for others in recovery process.
Lived experience with recovery supports, the justice system, behavioral health, and/or welfare system.
Strong commitment to recovery
Passion for working with clients in the community facing complex challenges.
Strong communication and active listening skills and adherence to professional boundaries.
Ability to pass background clearance (Department of Justice and FBI)
Ability to successfully pass the Peer Specialist Medi-Cal certification examination within 30 days of hire
Possession of reliable vehicle, valid CA driver’s license, vehicle insurance, and good driving record
Excellent interpersonal, written/oral communication and basic computer skills.
Willingness to engage in ongoing training and personal development, including provider training and administrative training
This job requires documentation in a HIPAA compliant electronic health record and various software systems

Nice To Haves

Bilingual – English/Spanish preferred (will receive bilingual stipend of $1.00 per hour on top of hour pay rate)

Responsibilities

Establish a peer support relationship with program participants.
Build trust and rapport with clients and their supportive relationships by appropriately sharing lived experience and offering relatable support.
Promote engagement in recovery and resiliency-building services through outreach and coordination at community resources and community events.
Provide mentoring, advocacy, and support in setting and pursuing personal goals, including recovery goals.
Educate clients and supportive relationships on local health services, substance use education, daily living skills, and accessing community resources in both individual sessions and group settings.
Conduct educational and support sessions for supportive relationships at request of clients.
Support clients in identifying and engaging with strengths, coping strategies, and natural supports.
Help individuals navigate systems such as education, legal, medical, and mental health services.
Advocate with external service providers to ensure coordinated care and support.
Promote self-determination, personal responsibility, and empowerment in recovery and life decisions through endorsing autonomy and referrals to sustainable support systems.
Work alongside licensed medical providers, SUD counselors, and behavioral health professionals within and outside the outpatient program to complement traditional treatment approaches.
Attend and contribute to team planning meetings, uplifting the clients’ voice in decision-making.
Participate in team trainings, supervision, and reflective practice.
Endorse structural wellbeing of the program by committing to safety, workflows, and collaborative team decision-making.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation in various systems as required and achieve productivity requirements.
Demonstrate organization, clear task completion, and strong communication across cultures and identities with supervisor support on strategies for adherence.
Model positive relationships, respectful boundaries, and maintain a safe and supportive environment.
Use trauma-informed methodology to perform toxicology screenings and relay/collect data.