Peer Support Specialist - Certified

Volunteers Of America, Utah•Salt Lake City, UT

9h•Onsite

About The Position

Volunteers of America, Utah is an affiliate of a national, nonprofit, faith-based organization that has served communities across the United States for more than 125 years. Volunteers of America, Utah’s mission is to provide community-supported paths for those who are vulnerable to improve their lives and increase their self-reliance. Our programs serve people experiencing challenges related to mental health, substance use, and homelessness. We encourage all who are passionate about making a difference, including individuals with lived experience, to apply. The program's mission is to empower individuals who experience Co-Occurring mental wellness and substance use challenges to reclaim their lives, build resilience and cultivate lasting recovery through an all-encompassing personal approach. This position provides peer recovery coaching to individuals in our Mental Health Residential facility who are interested in peer support services. It involves linking participants to recovery resources available in the program and externally, facilitating groups and education on daily living skills, relapse prevention, coping skills, and recovery. The specialist will work closely with the case management team to coordinate services, complete recovery management plans with individuals to assist in goal setting and steps to achieve success, and accurately document each encounter to meet data requirements.

Requirements

Ability to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
Direct lived experience with homelessness, mental illness and/ or substance use and basic knowledge of community resources.
Certification in Utah as a Peer Support Specialist is required.
Work experience with adults with severe and persistent mental illness and substance use disorders or any combination of education, experience, and training.
Direct experience with homelessness, mental illness and/ or substance use disorders and demonstrates a level of recovery sufficient to manage their illness and function independently.
Active Peer Support Specialist Certification or Participation in the State of Utah’s program for Peer Support Certification within 6 months of hire is required.
Ability to independently plan, prioritize, and execute own work to ensure completion of daily tasks.
Familiarity with Trauma Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing and Housing First philosophies and willingness to incorporate them in your daily work.
Ability to remain calm and respond appropriately in crises.
Maintain client confidentiality as outlined in the training module on Confidentiality.
Willingness to accept supervision and direction.
Computer literate with familiarity of Microsoft Office.
Ability to uphold professional boundaries, confidentiality regulations, agency policies and procedures, and interact in a professional manner with a diverse workforce, clients, and the public.
Become CPR and First Aid Certified.
Driving required: must be at least 21 years of age, possess a valid driver’s license, have a good driving record, and be insurable on the agency liability policy.
Must be able to pass Utah-DHHS – Office of Licensing background screening and pre-employment drug screen.
Must maintain eligible determination through Utah DHHS' continuous background monitoring.

Responsibilities

Actively monitor and engage with clients for safety.
Follow daily resident schedule.
Educate clients about community resources, medicated assisted treatment (MAT) resources, harm reduction practices etc.
Facilitate and participate in process and skills groups.
Document daily feedback in shift logs and communicate any pertinent information to the clinical team regarding needs and progress of clients.
Maintain principles of recovery, motivational interviewing, ethics and boundaries, crisis prevention and intervention.
Conduct urinalysis drug testing when necessary.
Role model pro-social behaviors and appearance for clients.
Participate in recreational activities with clients.
Onboard new clients (assist with search in, property search, logging property, and orient to program.)
Work closely with clients’ case manager to coordinate assignments within scope of responsibility.
Participate and present client information at case reviews with a Licensed Clinician and follow his/her recommendations.
Accurately record demographic information, individual meetings, and group attendance in database and monthly report.
Complete required documentation in UWITS same day of service.
Maintain professional boundaries and make decisions within the assigned scope of responsibility.
Attend weekly management meeting, clinical staffing, and individual meetings with supervisor.
Attends work on a punctual, regular, and predictable basis.
Provide safe transportation for clients as approved.
Maintain cleanliness and organization of assigned office space.
Link client with program, agency, and community services for assistance as appropriate.
Perform other functions as necessary or assigned.

Benefits

Low-cost medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Health savings account.
403b retirement plan with employer match (50% match up to 3%).
Employee Assistance Program for all employees
33 paid days off: 11 observed paid holidays, 12 sick days, and 10 vacation days to start.
Vacation increases to 12 days after 1 year, 15 days after 2 years, and more at 5 and 9 years of service.
Sick and vacation time accrue hourly per pay period.
$50,000 in employer-paid life insurance; additional coverage available.
Employer contribution to your Health Savings Account (paid quarterly)
Employee Referral Program including cash bonuses and paid time off