Peer Support Specialist (50934)

WESTCARE INC • Pinellas Park, FL

20h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Peer Support Specialist is someone with direct lived experience with substance abuse and has demonstrated success in maintaining a crime and drug-free life for at least two consecutive years. This role provides peer leadership, outreach, advocacy, coaching, and recovery support services to individuals seeking or sustaining recovery within the community. Essential Job Functions include educating and referring clients to community agencies for needs such as food, shelter, clothing, employment, transportation, and social service benefits; providing services that promote wellness, recovery, and resiliency; assisting clients in establishing or re-establishing community support systems; acting as an advocate for patients to improve access to services, information, or treatment; participating in clinical staffing decisions regarding patient strengths, resources, and needs; providing support and supervision to program clients; assisting other WestCare staff collaboratively to promote cooperation and a professional image; facilitating involvement in recovery-related activities; and assisting in the planning, organization, and execution of facility group recreational and social activities. The role requires embracing and embodying the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation, and performing all other assigned duties.

Requirements

• Lived experience and personal recovery from substance use disorders.
• High School diploma or equivalent is required.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain DCF Level II background clearance.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain and maintain WestCare’s vehicle insurance is required.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Compassion, empathy, and a non-judgmental approach towards individuals with substance use disorders.
• Understanding to talk to and communicate with clients in an effective and appropriate manner.
• Adherence to the highest standard of ethical conduct, especially to standards governing confidentiality.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Must be able to pass a Level II DCF background check.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is preferred.
• Previous experience in peer support roles or related positions is preferred.
• CRPS Certification through the Florida Certification Board within one year of hire.
• Preference will be given to those who already have CRPS Certification.

Responsibilities

• Educate and refer clients to community agencies and businesses that appropriately address their need for food, shelter, clothing, employment, transportation, social service benefits, etc.
• Provide services that promote wellness, recovery, and resiliency.
• Assist clients with establishing or re-establishing support systems within their community.
• Function as advocate on behalf of the patient to improve access to needed services, information, or treatment.
• Participate in clinical staffing decisions regarding the patients’ current strengths and resources and their need for additional resources.
• Provide support and supervision to program clients.
• Assist other WestCare staff as needed in a collaborative manner to promote cooperation and portray a professional image to the community.
• Facility involvement in recovery-related activities and assist in planning, organization, and facility group recreational and social activities.
• Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• WestCare is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment at WestCare is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment drug test, pre-employment physical and criminal background check.

What This Job Offers

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