Peer Support Specialist

Gaudenzia, Inc.•Philadelphia, PA

16d•Onsite

About The Position

This individual is responsible for providing support services, mentorship, and advocacy for persons in recovery from a substance use disorder. This individual is skilled at developing supportive and authentic peer relationships, maintaining ethical and professional boundaries, and respecting each individuals’ unique path to recovery. Under the supervision of the Program Director, Clinical Supervisor, or designee additional duties include: collecting and disseminating information and recovery resources; providing flexible peer support; assisting individuals in developing and adhering to recovery plans; assisting individuals in accessing community resources; and reinforcing skills and strategies supportive of recovery. Work is performed in accordance with established regulations, and policies and procedures; however, this individual is expected to exercise considerable initiative and independent judgment in achieving objectives.

Requirements

Knowledge of services, community resources, and regulations pertaining to recovery and co-occurring disorders
Knowledge of and commitment to recovery community
Ability to develop positive, ethical therapeutic relationships with individuals and promote their personal growth while maintaining confidentiality
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
Ability to convey relevant personal recovery experience in an authentic and effective manner
Ability to successfully work with others from various cultures and backgrounds
Ability to plan and organize work and prepare appropriate, accurate records and reports
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, staff, health care providers, outside agencies, institutions and the general public
Ability to transport clients to appointments using company vehicles
Skilled at using computers, including familiarity and faculty with Microsoft Office programs like Word and Excel
Must have high school diploma/G.E.D. and have and have acquired or meet the qualifications for certification as a Certified Recovery Specialist
At least 12 months of related experience

Nice To Haves

Results Accountability: Demonstrating capacity for effective action and accomplishment; assuming responsibility for successfully completing assignments or tasks
Collaboration: Facilitating the achievement of team goals; developing and using collaborative relationships to facilitate team and organizational goal achievement
Service Orientation: Making clients and their needs a primary focus of one’s actions; developing and sustaining productive client relationships; taking responsibility for client satisfaction and loyalty

Responsibilities

Treat all clients and staff with dignity and respect
Maintain professional ethical boundaries and the confidentiality of all individuals supported
Assist individuals in recovery with articulating their personal goal(s) for recovery and developing their individualized recovery/ aftercare plan
Identify and support linkages to community resources (communities of recovery, educational, vocational, social, cultural, spiritual resources, mutual self- help groups, professional services, etc.) that support the individual’s goals and interests
Identify barriers to full participation in community resources and work with individuals to develop strategies to overcome those barriers
Liaison with established community support groups and advocate for effective recovery-based services
Role model and assist individuals with effective techniques for coping, self-advocacy, problem-solving, and self-help
Assist individuals in building and reinforcing newly learned social skills in the community that will enhance their job acquisition and tenure
Accompany recovering person to appointments, meetings, and other events in the community, as needed
Attend the treatment team meetings to promote individuals’ use of self-advocacy and self-directed recovery tools and support individuals in presenting their own agenda/progress, etc. at the team meeting
Coordinate with treatment team to communicate the progress that the person in recovery makes toward meeting their objectives
Monitor urinalysis testing of clients, as needed
Other duties as assigned by the Clinical Supervisor, Program Director, or Designee