Peer Support Specialist

WHITINGTON HOMES AND SERVICES•Fort Wayne, IN

5d•$23 - $25•Hybrid

About The Position

Whitington Services for Children and Families is seeking a Peer Support Specialist who wants to make a difference in the lives of others. We currently have full-time employment openings to serve our Fatherhood Engagement, Diversion program and opportunities to work with those overcoming additions and families living with a loved one dealing with dealing or in recovery from addiction. Peer Support Specialists with personal lived experience in recovery from mental health conditions or substance use disorders use their own recovery journey to provide non-clinical mentoring, instill hope, and help others navigate their own paths to wellness. Direct care is provided in the form of individual, family, and/or group therapy. He/She ensures that programs and operations are in accordance with the policies set by the Board of Directors, as well as with all applicable laws, regulations, accreditation standards, and other requirements.

Requirements

Certified Peer Recovery Coach-Associate
Certified Peer Recovery Coach (CPRC), National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS), or Certified Peer Support Professional (CPSP)
Lived Experience: Candidates must self-identify as being in stable recovery 1–2 years from mental illness or addiction.
Education: Bachelor Degree as the minimum educational background.
Training: Completion of a state-approved training program.
Valid Driver’s License.
Must have personal and professional integrity and sound judgement.
A love of people, kind, caring, and empathic nature, an approachable person..
Ability to make and implement tough decisions.
Knowledge and understanding of child and adolescent development and management.
Ability to assist in the implementation and maintenance of licensing, accrediting, agency and other policies and procedure requirements.
Philosophical and physical commitment to therapeutic programming and interventions needed to work with severely emotionally troubled and other clients.
Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality of information as appropriate.
Demonstrated time management skills, maturity, and responsibility.
Ability to maintain prompt and regular attendance.
Ability to be flexible due to schedule conflict, interruptions, and/or crisis management.
Ability to read, write and speak the English language in an understandable manner, communicate effectively and efficiently both orally and in writing, as well as continually with all departments.
Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
Ability to identify problems and develop creative solutions, willingness to incorporate them into existing practice.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage several projects at once while meeting various timelines and staying within budget.
Ability to move intermittently during the day wherever required supervising staff at their working sites and performing job duties.
Ability to cope with mental and emotional stress of the position.
Must be able to demonstrate cultural competency.
Must have a commitment to the Whitington Mission.

Responsibilities

Provide direct therapeutic services to clients
Assist in planning and/or facilitating other groups as necessary.
Maintain a strength-based approach with all Whitington clients.
Share personal recovery story to model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies.
Help peers advocate for their own needs within complex healthcare, legal, and social service systems.
Peer Specialists assist in finding and accessing community supports such as housing, employment, and social services.
Work with individuals to develop personal recovery plans and track progress toward specific life goals.
Lead support groups or recovery-oriented workshops in the community and on-site.
Maintain a high standard of professional documentation in every aspect of job responsibilities.
Complete case contact notes, group notes, and other service documentation within 48 hours of client sessions.
Complete all appropriate billings related to services provided.
Ensure adequate controls are in place and maintained in all aspects of the programs.
Ensure that all standards, regulations, rules and laws for operation imposed by regulatory agencies are met.
Demonstrate leadership and team cooperation in all facets of management.
Acquire and maintain knowledge of current local, state, and national trends in service delivery and the potential effects on Whitington.
Recommend and promote changes that will lead to the continued provision of service excellence within all programs.
Facilitate staff meetings encouraging teamwork and coordination among program and care is provided to all buildings, contents, property
Maintain an environment in which the welfare of all clients is given priority.
Maintain an environment in which the health and welfare of all staff is valued.
Maintain a keen sense of the Mission of Whitington Homes & Services for Children and Families.
Ensure quality assurance policies and procedures are fully implemented and maintained throuhout all program areas.
Emphasize the importance of recognizing client’s rights especially non-discrimination and confidentiality.
Ensure on going evaluation of Whitington services, maintaining excellence and implementing changes as needed.
Under the direct instruction and supervision of the Clinical Director, be knowledgeable about, plan for, oversee, coordinate with, and nurture the relationship of Whitington with local, state, regional, and national agencies and associations, as assigned.
Provide input to the Clinical Director related to the development of cooperative relationships with other service providers.
Participate actively, as assigned, in collaborative efforts, partnerships, and alliances.
Be willing to serve on appropriate Boards/committees/task forces that promote Whitington’s Mission.
Maintain and display a professional appearance, attitude, and demeanor to positively represent Whitington during interactions with clients, staff, agencies, churches, and all publics.
Respond with common sense in handling unforeseen contingencies.
Report all possible areas of interest or concern to the Associate Director in a routine and orderly manner.
Report all areas of special circumstances to the Associate Director immediately.
Maintain flexibility in response to constant disruptions.
Maintain prompt and regular attendance as scheduled.
Be available for non-scheduled position responsibilities, as the workload requires.
Attend meetings, training, and continuing education activities (minimum of 20 hours per year).
Participate in community, state, and national activities, providing leadership as appropriate and as authorized.
Promote public awareness of Whitington through promotional activities and public speaking.
Facilitate and participate in development and fund-raising projects/events and in grant-writing activities as needed.