Peer Support Specialist - Addictions

Options for Southern Oregon • Ashland, OR

9d

About The Position

The Peer Support Specialist is an active member of the team who provides peer support services to individuals in the alcohol and drug dependencies recovery program. The position provides a wide range of clinical and administrative services to community partners, Options’ clients, and people seeking services, and uses Feedback Informed Treatment (FIT) in delivering client services. Options provides on-the-job training and supervision for FIT.

The specialist serves as a role model and advocate, drawing on competency in personal recovery and coping skills to provide information and peer support in an outpatient setting. The role assists peers from adolescence through adulthood in regaining independence in the community and developing mastery over their recovery. Work takes place both in the office and in the community. The position works Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., under general supervision.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent and a general understanding of the population served.
• Self-identify as an individual in recovery from a substance use disorder and meet the abstinence requirements for recovering staff in substance use disorders treatment and recovery programs.
• Knowledge and skills sufficient to establish effective relationships with clients who have addictions and support them in their recovery.
• Be eligible to become certified as an Addictions Peer Support Specialist on the State registry.
• Be eligible to become a Certified Recovery Mentor (CRM) on the MHACBO registry.
• Have interest and ability to become certified as a Peer Support Specialist-Adult Mental Health.
• Be able to use email, compose documents, save and locate documents electronically, and learn to use the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
• Pass state-required background and DMV checks; possess a valid Oregon driver's license and a satisfactory driving record to be approved for driving rights.
• Be able to work independently and flexibly under general supervision.
• Have a mature attitude and sensitivity to the needs of people with chronic mental illness.
• Understand HIPAA laws regarding confidentiality of privileged information.
• Be able to follow verbal and written instructions and work independently and with staff as agency needs dictate.

Nice To Haves

• Some post-secondary coursework.
• Certification before hire.
• Proficiency in Word and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Bilingual Spanish skills, with an Oregon Health Authority-approved language proficiency certification at the “High Intermediate” level.

Responsibilities

• Provide peer support services to individuals in the alcohol and drug dependencies recovery program.
• Provide clinical and administrative services to community partners, Options’ clients, and people seeking services.
• Use Feedback Informed Treatment (FIT) in the delivery of client services.
• Serve as a role model by exhibiting competency in personal recovery and use of coping skills.
• Advocate for peers and provide information and peer support in an outpatient setting.
• Assist peers from adolescents through adults in regaining independence in the community and mastery over their recovery process.
• Attend required certification trainings when available.

Benefits

• Family medical, dental, and long-term disability coverage.
• 403(b) plan with a 6% match.
• Generous paid time off, with annual accrual up to 208 hours based on FTE status and available to use upon accrual.
• 11 paid holidays annually.
• Position may be eligible for the Oregon Behavioral Health Loan Repayment Program.
• Premium pay for employees who can conduct business in Spanish and provide the specified proficiency certification.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED