PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST

Lutheran Services Carolinas • Chapel Hill, NC

23d • $16 - $16 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Peer Support Specialist (PSS), under the supervision of the Peer Support Services
Manager, will provide valuable insight and coaching to recovery clients by sharing some of
his/her own recovery process. He/she is expected to help consumers avoid episodes of crisis
care; achieve/maintain recovery from substance use issues; meet basic sustenance needs; and
provide education, motivation and guidance on how to improve their overall quality of life.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Must be actively in recovery from substance misuse for at least 1 year.
• Must have initiative and be willing to work in a team and independently.
• Must be knowledgeable of substance misuse recovery.
• Must possess awareness of the importance of recovery in living with a mental illness or substance use disorder.
• Display kindness, be compassionate, sensitive, have passion and understanding of recovery.
• Ability to balance hybrid working environment (community setting and home office).
• Should have good communication skills.
• Must be comfortable speaking and engaging in public settings.
• Have ability to form lasting relationships with persons who may have difficulty trusting.
• Ability to cope with stress (with support from Team members).
• Be committed to client rights and personal preferences in treatment.
• Peer Support Certified or willing to be certified to provide individual, family, and/or group services as identified for peer support services.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Must be 21 years of age.

Responsibilities

• Represent Lutheran Services in the Carolinas in a professional manner.
• Maintain active membership in a consumer advocacy or self-help group.
• Attend agency staff meetings, Case Conferences and Individual and Group Supervision as required.
• Create and maintain a caseload of clients with substance use disorder. Monitor progress, identify, and respond to client’s needs.
• Conduct weekly pop-up events in their designated area; while distributing Narcan and Fentanyl test strips to individuals in the community.
• Provide support services and resources to individuals in the recovery process ie. arranging medical appointments, therapy sessions, employment advocacy and referring to support groups.
• Advocate on behalf of clients with substance use/misuse disorder to protect their rights and to assist in reducing associated stigma.
• Work in cooperation with other providers, family members or significant others involved in the client’s recovery plan.
• Maintain all client records according to established guidelines.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees