Part-time Residential Peer Specialist

The Empowerment Program•Denver, CO

8d•$19•Onsite

About The Position

The Empowerment Program provides health, housing, and employment and education services to women and transwomen who are involved in the criminal justice system, have been recently released from jail or prison, are homeless, or are living with HIV/AIDS, mental illness, and drug addiction. Our house is a confidentially located congregate living house for 18-22 women in Denver. Schedule This is a part-time position with a set schedule of Tuesday - Thursday 6pm - 11pm. Occasional coverage shifts are available as needed.

Requirements

Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office products.
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
Ability to multitask.
Must be a team player with a positive attitude.

Nice To Haves

Peer Specialist Certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

Maintain safety and security by monitoring all general access areas.
Enforce the house rules as outlined in the handbook.
Arm the security system each night at curfew and turn it off in the morning.
Notify the Housing Manager of maintenance or safety/security concerns.
Email significant events to the housing team and maintain the daily logbook.
Create and monitor daily chore assignments.
Assist clients in articulating personal goals for recovery using one-to-one and group sessions.
Support clients in identifying goals and developing recovery plans with the skills, strengths, supports, and resources to aid in achieving those goals.
Assist clients in working with their case manager or treatment team in determining the steps needed to achieve goals and self-directed recovery.
Assist clients in setting up and sustaining self-help (mutual support) groups, as well as locating and joining existing groups.
Utilize tools such as the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) to assist clients in creating their own individual wellness and recovery plans.
Share your own recovery story to demonstrate self-directed recovery and model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies.
Teach and role model the value of every individual's recovery experience.
Assist clients in building social skills in the community that will enhance job acquisition and tenure.
Assist the client in obtaining decent and affordable housing of their choice in the most integrated, independent environment (e.g., viewing housing, transportation support).
Serve as a recovery agent by advocating for effective recovery-based services.
Provide names of staff, community resources, and groups that may be useful.
Assist clients in developing empowerment skills and combating stigma through self-advocacy via regular meetings and sessions.
Use role-playing/modeling to demonstrate how to handle problems or social interactions.
With assistance from the Program Coordinator/Team Leader, work with clients and the treatment team to develop a plan based on identified goals.
Document the following on the client's treatment/recovery plan:
Identified person-centered strengths, needs, abilities, and recovery goals.
Interventions to assist the client with reaching their goals.
Progress made toward goals.
Knowledge of the recovery process and ability to facilitate recovery using established standardized mental health processes.
Knowledge and skill to teach and engage in basic problem-solving strategies to support self-directed recovery.
Knowledge of the signs and symptoms of mental illness (e.g., hallucinations, aggressive behavior, isolation) and the ability to assist the client using strategies such as positive self-talk.
Knowledge and skill sufficient to use and teach clients to use community resources (e.g., Social Security, YMCA, libraries, housing providers).
Knowledge of how to establish and sustain self-help and educational groups.
A valid driver's license is required as some driving/transportation may be required for appointments or activities.