Peer Support HRSA (53567)

Westcare•Bullhead City, AZ

About The Position

Peer Support Services provide strength-based support and education from individuals with shared life experiences. Peer Support Specialists in recovery from substance use, mental health, or co-occurring disorders use their lived experience to help others build a foundation for sustained recovery. The service supports people who are in or seeking recovery while they direct their own care and work toward goals that matter to them. Specialists ask questions, offer suggestions, help individuals identify and use their strengths, and support them in making plans and taking the lead in addressing their needs. The Specialist serves as an accountability partner, supports recovery, and helps individuals access systems and resources such as disability benefits, health care, and housing. The role also provides education, advocacy assistance, peer groups, and support to individuals and their families, including meeting people in the community and transporting them to appointments as needed. The position works collaboratively with health and treatment teams and carries out documentation and other duties assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Valid driver’s license and ability to qualify for WestCare vehicle insurance.
Ability to obtain peer support certification; one year of sobriety is required.
Current or ability to obtain a Level I fingerprint clearance card through a federal background check.
Behavioral health lived experience.
At least 18 years of age.
Strong reading comprehension and written and oral communication skills.
Computer literacy, including the ability to type and use Microsoft Office.
Demonstrated experience with leadership, advocacy, or governance.
At least one year without receiving inpatient and/or intensive treatment services.
At least one year without involvement with law enforcement.
At least six months in stable and safe housing.
At least six months of stable employment or active enrollment in an educational setting.
Continued participation in support groups and/or behavioral health networks.
Provide three letters of reference.
Adhere to the highest standards of ethical conduct, especially confidentiality standards.
Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual ability.

Responsibilities

Encourage, inspire, and empower individuals to reach treatment goals.
Coordinate and facilitate psychoeducational peer groups focused on removing environmental obstacles, building healthy life skills and social connectedness, and teaching relaxation and mindfulness strategies.
Work as part of a collaborative health team and participate in Care Team Meetings.
Help individuals develop strategies to communicate and advocate for themselves and take a proactive role in their behavioral and physical health.
Explain available services, benefits, advance directives, opportunities, and clients’ rights processes.
Mentor individuals in recovery, reinforce the possibility of recovery, support personal empowerment, and help set and achieve goals.
Provide information and assist individuals with applying for supplemental programs, such as housing.
Help individuals complete forms and identify service and support gaps for people with mental health or co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
Participate on treatment teams with the person’s consent.
Collaborate on intake and discharge planning, including conducting surveys and facilitating exit interviews.
Monitor satisfaction.
Complete and submit documentation as determined by the Director of Peer Services.
Provide support and encouragement to family members.
Meet individuals in the community and transport them to appointments as needed.
Embrace and embody WestCare Foundation’s mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals.
Perform other duties as assigned.