Peer Support Specialist

State of Utah Office of the Governor•Salt Lake City, UT

142d•$21 - $31•Onsite

About The Position

The Re-Entry and Rehabilitation Division within the Utah Department of Corrections is seeking applicants for our position of Certified Peer Support Specialist. This position will provide peer support coaching for justice involved individuals utilizing their lived experience in both recovery from substance use disorders and criminal justice involvement to deliver services promoting recovery and resiliency. This position is for certified peers with lived experience of addiction recovery and previous incarceration. This position will deliver peer support coaching to those currently in the criminal justice system. In this position you will utilize your own history of criminal justice involvement and addiction recovery to help coach clients to successfully navigate parole, provide addiction recovery support, and transition into the community. Incumbents in this position will facilitate the Re-Entry and Rehabilitation Division’s vision the "We envision a safer Utah by providing opportunities". Specifically, this position will focus on providing peer support coaching to substance use clients preparing for parole or currently on parole.

Requirements

Certification as a Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) from a DHHS approved agency.
Minimum 5 years in active recovery, comfortable sharing brief recovery experience appropriately.
Previous history of Incarceration.
Five years post justice involvement and Successful Termination of Parole or Probation.
Valid driver’s license.
Ability to maintain accurate documentation.
Ability to work both independently and with a team.
Ability to work in a professional manner within healthcare settings.
Understanding protecting participant confidentiality.
Familiar with motivational interviewing techniques.
Knowledgeable and accepting of all recovery pathways.
Understanding of and ability to maintain appropriate boundaries.
Maintains adaptability in a diverse environment and under challenging circumstances.
Certification as a Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) from an approved DSAMH training program.
Previously Incarcerated with 5 years post Successful Termination of Parole or Probation.
Minimum 5 years active addiction recovery, and are comfortable sharing lived recovery experience.
High School Diploma or equivalent is preferred.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of a licensed therapist this position assists other individuals with peer coaching related to addiction recovery and navigating incarceration, parole, and probation successfully.
Engages clients individually and in classes to instill hope, encourage personal responsibility for recovery, facilitate the development of recovery goals, self-advocacy skills, and natural supports.
Models competency in recovery and ongoing coping skills, articulating points in his/her own recovery story that are relevant to the challenges faced by clients receiving services in the program.
Ability to observe, record and report client behavior and progress.
Understanding of confidentiality, GRAMA, HIPAA, and 42 CFR pt. 2 protecting participation confidentiality.
Familiar with motivational interviewing techniques.
Respects and advocates ALL pathways to recovery, including but not limited to: Substance Use Treatment, Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), and harm reduction.
Understanding of, and ability to maintain appropriate boundaries.
Good interpersonal skills to develop trust of clients and respond appropriately to difficult situations.
Any other job duties as assigned.