Peer Support Specialist

Summit BHC•Chester, VA

11d•$20 - $27•Onsite

About The Position

The Peer Support Specialist enhances treatment services from initial referral through patient discharge by helping patients develop skills, build on strengths, avoid relapse, navigate the continuum of care, and pursue long-term recovery. The role provides mentoring, advocacy, peer support, care coordination, and assistance connecting patients with community, medical, housing, employment, education, and other resources. This is an onsite individual-contributor position at Iron Bridge Recovery Center in Chester, Virginia.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Three or more years of experience working in a behavioral health setting.
Certification as a Peer Specialist.
CPR certification and de-escalation training; training is available upon hire and offered by the facility.
Understanding of addiction, other substance-related problems, and available treatment options.
General understanding of community resources and how to promote linkage between patients and resources.

Nice To Haves

Two or more years of experience in an acute inpatient behavioral health setting.
Training in personal advocacy, engagement, recovery and resiliency principles, community supports and resources, effective use of sharing life experiences, and parenting skills, as applicable.
First aid may be required depending on state or facility.

Responsibilities

Mentor individuals to promote decision-making, empowerment, and engagement.
Act as a liaison among individuals, the clinical team, and community resources, and advocate for individuals.
Engage individuals referred to treatment at the initial point of contact to expedite screening for an appropriate level of care.
Provide peer support to clinically complex clients, drawing on shared experiences to validate experiences and encourage active participation in recovery.
Provide peer-support knowledge related to treatment, including methadone, buprenorphine, and extended-release naltrexone maintenance treatment.
Help individuals seek and receive services for social needs and support their recovery.
Assist with obtaining housing and necessities and developing skills for household responsibilities and independent living.
Help patients establish relationships with primary care providers or obtain additional medical care through a coordinated approach.
Serve as a subject matter expert and consultant on medication-assisted treatment and participation in community support groups, including Narcotics Anonymous and Celebrate Recovery.
Connect clients with local employers to help them obtain and maintain employment.
Help individuals develop life and social skills and pursue education and other needs that support quality of life after recovery.
Model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies to support personal growth and management of stressors.
Promote positive health, wellness, and lifestyle choices.
Communicate client status, including changes in mood or functioning, medical issues, and crisis, health, or safety concerns.
Document no-shows and report difficulties contacting clients to appropriate office staff.
Document services regularly, concisely, and completely in accordance with clinical standards and office deadlines.
Attend office trainings and regular clinical supervision sessions with the assigned supervisor.