Peer Support Specialist - Criminal Justice Systems - Time Limited

Salt Lake County•Salt Lake City, UT

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Peer Support Specialist supports program participants recovering from mental health and/or substance use disorders. The specialist serves as a role model, mentor, advocate, and motivator, helping participants prevent relapse and promote long-term recovery. In Criminal Justice Services, the role supports alternatives to incarceration and evidence-based practices through collaboration with clients, agency and jail staff, and community partners.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Strong working knowledge of the drug and alcohol treatment system and demonstrated commitment to the recovery community.
Obtain knowledge or training to provide a trauma-informed approach using trauma-specific interventions when responding to clients in crisis within one year of hire.
Certification as a Certified Peer Support Specialist or Peer Recovery Coach from an approved curriculum.
Obtain and maintain security clearance through the Salt Lake County Jail.
Pass a required fingerprint-based background check and enroll in the continuous RAP Back (Record of Arrest and Prosecution Back) program.
Knowledge of the basic structure of the criminal justice system; community resources for substance abuse treatment and recovery support; factors that support long-term substance abuse recovery; state and federal mandates; and the signs and effects of substance abuse on individuals, children, and family members.
Ability to build rapport with clients and engage them in case management.
Adhere to the Utah Peer Support Specialist Code of Ethics and CPSS Core Competencies.
Maintain confidentiality and appropriate boundaries with participants.
Ability to assist individuals in building a support system and establish trusting relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Ability to maintain a calm demeanor when working with a potentially high-distress population.
Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, court personnel, case managers, treatment providers, and clients.
Ability to use computer office equipment related to job-specific duties.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual ability in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

Model for participants and staff that recovery is possible.
Help participants identify personal interests, recovery goals, and strengths.
Help participants identify barriers and potential supports for critical and essential needs.
Support agency and jail staff in planning client services through face-to-face meetings and facilitating group discussions.
Connect clients with community-based support resources, behavioral health services, and other ancillary services.
Provide recovery education to participants and their family members or support persons throughout the recovery journey, from pre-recovery engagement through sustained recovery maintenance.
Develop collaborative, supportive relationships with community groups and agencies in partnership with the agency.
Collect and distribute community-based recovery group literature and schedules as needed.
Maintain documentation, logs, reports, and records of client interactions and services in appropriate files and databases.

Benefits

12 holidays, up to 24 vacation days, 12 sick days, and one personal day each year.
Retirement options including a hybrid pension/401(k) or 401(k)-only plan with a 10% contribution.
Medical coverage, including an option with a 100% county-paid premium.
Dental and vision coverage, including coverage for adult designees.
Health Savings Account with a county contribution of up to $1,200 per year.
Flexible Spending Account.
100% county-paid long-term disability coverage and a short-term disability option.
Professional development, including paid professional membership fees.
Onsite medical clinic, childcare, and gym.
Hospital insurance, pet insurance, auto and home insurance, and discounts at County facilities.