Peer Support Specialist (50673)

WESTCARE INC•Buckhannon, WV

8d•$15 - $20

About The Position

A Peer Support Specialist in West Virginia is someone with lived experience in recovery (mental health and/or substance use) who helps others navigate recovery, treatment, and community resources. They provide mentorship, encouragement, advocacy, and recovery coaching using their own recovery experience.

Requirements

Certifications/Licensures: Certification through West Virginia Certification Board for Addiction & Prevention Professionals (WVCBAPP)
Must pass Peer Recovery Support Specialist exam
Must complete training hours (approx. 40–75 hours depending on program)
Education: High school diploma or GED
Must be a current or former substance abuse or mental health care service recipient who is engaged in own recovery for a minimum of two years demonstrated by an effort of self-directed recovery.
May not be a current recipient of residential care.
Experience working with individuals diagnosed with mental health/ substance abuse population is preferred
Must have reliable means of transportation
Must have availability to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends.
During your tenure with WestCare there may be new requirements, including, but not limited to vaccinations that are issued by local, State, Federal, and/or Funders that WestCare may have to comply with. Should this occur Human Resources or appropriate personnel will inform you.
Maintains confidential files and records.
Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written form with consumers, peers, and staff
Demonstrates good reliability in attendance
Demonstrates an ability to meet deadlines and to complete tasks
Ability to use time efficiently
Ability to follow policies and procedures
Ability to respond appropriately to supervisory directives or negotiate appropriately
Knowledge of and ability to apply appropriate ethical principles and practices
Ability to recognize and maintain appropriate boundaries with consumers, peers, staff, and supervisors
Ability to treat others with dignity and respect
Understanding of federal, state, and agency standards regarding the confidentiality of consumer information and the ability to maintain confidential information
The ability to identify the needs of a consumer that cannot be met by the counselor or agency and to assist the consumer to utilize the support systems and community resources available.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret agency and grant required documents
Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence as well as speak effectively before groups (family, youth, staff and community) is preferred
Ability to apply basic mathematical concepts.
Knowledge of WestCare Mission, goals and values
Knowledge of Incident Reporting
Knowledge of HIPAA, Professional Ethics, Consumer Rights and Confidentiality
Familiarity with WestCare services and programs
The ability to identify the needs of a consumer that cannot be met by the counselor or agency and to assist the consumer to utilize the support systems and community resources available.
Demonstrates ability to work effectively with staff and consumers
Demonstrated respect for an individual’s cultural and ethnic values when interacting with staff and consumers
Demonstrates ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with consumers, co-workers, external partners, and regulatory agencies
Is courteous to consumers, staff, and all others.
Demonstrates tact at the appropriate time.
Cooperates with others both within and outside WestCare.
Works well with supervisor; accepts direction and supervision
Maintains a positive attitude toward work
Ensures and maintains a safe working environment. Work area is clean and orderly.
Verbalizes, understands and adheres to agency safety procedures.
Demonstrates appropriate use of Unusual Incident Reports, in accordance with the Center’s reporting procedures
Presents a positive personal image
Dresses and maintains a professional demeanor
CPR Certification, First Aid Certification and an annual Tuberculosis test.
Ability utilize Microsoft Office Software Suite
Ability to utilize internal electronic health record software
Clearance in Pre-Employment Drug Testing and Criminal Records Checks, as required.

Responsibilities

Provide recovery support to consumers
Conducts skills building groups and other activities as assigned by the supervisor
Acts as an appropriate role model for consumers
Provides coaching and mentoring services to consumers as assigned by the supervisor
Serve as a family/individual representative and advocate in program/agency activities.
Assist in the facilitation of individual/family support and educational groups.
Provide Peer support to individuals by using personal and professional life experiences.
Work in partnership with the case manager provider to link individuals to needed services.
Respond to the needs and preferences of individuals, stakeholders and system partners.
Assist individuals to identify and build natural supports as well as self-advocacy and self-efficacy skills.
Help individuals identify strengths and recognize successes to promote self-esteem and empowerment.
Actively promote and educate individuals on program is and availability peer support services at any point in treatment.
Assist individuals to develop a Wellness Recovery Action Plan when needed.
Document one-to-one sessions, telephone calls and/or visits with families/individuals to reflect their supportive role.
Provide peer support services to additional populations, as needed
Participate in case conference
Understands HIPAA, Professional Ethics, Consumer Rights and Confidentiality
Participate in performance improvement activities
Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision and goals of WestCare Foundation.
Completes all orientation and mandated training activities, including E-Learning Courses, within required timeframes, and in accordance with the criteria established for this position.
Perform any other duties as assigned.