Peer Support Specialist - Women's Resource Center

Volunteers Of America, Utah•Salt Lake City, UT

2d•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 pathways 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. Position Summary: The Certified Peer Support Specialist acts as a liaison to women experiencing homelessness staying at the Women’s Resource Center by assisting them in accepting and participating in mental health, substance use and other treatments with the objective of promoting stabilization within the resource center and towards securing housing.

Requirements

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
Work experience with adults with severe and persistent mental illness and substance use disorders or any combination of education, experience, and training which provides the following knowledge, skills, and abilities
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.
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.
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.
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.
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

Maintain an active caseload
Provide peer counseling and consultation to individual clients as well as in a group setting
Provide practical help and supports, advocacy, coordination, side-by-side individualized support, problem solving, direct assistance training, and supervision to help clients obtain the necessities of daily living
Support moveout preparations with clients moving into housing by providing support and guidance before and during their transition out of shelter
Facilitate orientations for clients that are new to the facility
Supervise weekly client “Clean Team” groups and other client initiatives as directed by Client Services Manager
Participate in weekly organizational meetings
Complete all required documentation in a timely manner
Attends work on a regular and predictable basis
Maintain good professional relationships with appropriate community figures, referral sources, and other professionals.
Maintain and enhance professional skills and knowledge through attending conferences/ workshops/courses and reading professional materials that are relevant to job requirements and approved by the Client Services Manager.
Demonstrate familiarity with and adherence to Utah laws regarding confidentiality and mandatory reporting requirements.
Conduct professional life in accordance with the standards of his/her discipline and the clinical policies and procedures of the agency.
Performs 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