Peer Support Specialist

Janus of Santa Cruz•Watsonville, CA

About The Position

Peer support Specialists (PSS) are individuals who have been successful in the recovery process, who help others beginning the SUD recovery journey. Based on an approved Individual Plan of Care, they are key agents of change and recovery for clients at a peer level. Peer Support Specialists support people in accessing SUD treatment and maintaining a housing recovery residence with attention to their health and safety. They ensure individuals in recovery focus on their goals and learn life skills helping individuals build recovery capital and discontinue using substances. Peer Support Specialists constantly assess clients' needs and consistently respond with creative problem solving to changing demands and pressures. PSS bring issues of concern and/or importance to the Recovery Residence Case Manager for consultation. Janus has part time and full time positions available. Janus of Santa Cruz is currently seeking a qualified SUD Peer Support Specialist position, responsible for supporting clients’ SUD treatment goals for recovery and self-sufficiency. Through shared understanding, respect, and mutual empowerment, the Peer Support Specialist helps clients to become and stay engaged in their recovery from addictions and reduce the likelihood of relapse. Core Values of the Peer Support Specialist include: hope, person driven/centered, holistic wellness, authenticity, cultural responsiveness and humility, respect, integrity, advocacy, confidentiality, safe and protection, education, mutuality, reciprocity, strengths as wellness, recovery and resilience based.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old or older, possess a high school diploma, GED or equivalent or College Degree
Someone who self-identifies as an individual with lived experience in SUD recovery, with at least 12 months of active recovery; interested in providing a supportive environment to other individuals in recovery
Agree to uphold the California Department of Health and Services Medical Code of Ethics for Peer Support Specialists in California
Personality/style that offers warmth, structure, and firm boundaries
Time management skills; Responsible, efficient, discreet, and organized
Registration with a certifying organization as a Peer Support Specialist
Have a clean California Driver License for three years

Responsibilities

Supports people in accessing or maintaining SUD treatment recognizing the validity of “multiple pathways to self-defined recovery”
Respects the confidentiality of clients: aware of sensitive personal information about the families like medical files or finance information
Communicates and understands well clients’ challenges and strengths and is able to build a working relationship through empathy and shared connections
Validates each person’s progress, keeps them actively engaged in their recovery goals
Supports exploring any and all resources when helping someone achieve recovery including healthy nutrition
In collaboration with Program Manager, ensure that all supplies needed for the recovery residences are ordered delivered on time
Is aware of the house calendar, daily housekeeping and maintenance performed by clients and is part of ensuring that the facility is always well-kept
Helps clients to meet weekly schedules, chores, meetings, etc.
Assists with data-tracking requirements related to peer support care in residential programs
Someone who consistently responds positively, with creative problem solving, to changing house/client needs
Follows trauma-informed care model