Peer Support Specialist at Clitheroe Men's Residential Center

General Statement: The Salvation Army is a branch part of the Christian Church and the ultimate goal of all programs is spiritual regeneration of all people.

Corps/Department: Salvation Army Clitheroe Center

Reports To: Residential Clinical Manager

FLSA Status: Full Time/40 hours per week; Non-Exempt

Scope of Position/Essential Functions: Under the general supervision of the Residential Clinical Manager, in cooperation with the Behavioral Health Associates, the Peer Support Specialist provides support services; serves as an advocate; and provides information and support to peers at the Clitheroe Residential Programs. The Peer Support Specialist performs a wide range of tasks to assist peers in learning how to regain control over their own lives and over their recovery process.

Education and Work Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalency. Some additional education or training to perform clinical and clerical functions. Alaska State Peer Support Associate certificate preferred.
• One year's experience in the field of substance abuse, homelessness, or related field.
• One year's experience in clerical and data entry work; proficiency in using general office equipment, Microsoft Office Suite, databases, Intergy EHR, and report-generating programs.
• Must have or be able to obtain Alaska State Peer Support Associate certification within one year from the date of hire.
• Personal life experience in recovery from mental illness, or substance abuse and/or co-occurring disorders; volunteer experience in the mental health and/or substance abuse fields.
• Current Alaska Driver's License with a clean driving record

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Knowledge of peer support mentorship, advocacy, and recovery support as well as the ability to learn and use accepted peer support practices.

• Knowledge of systems that affect individuals' lives, i.e., mental health system, substance abuse system, legal system, housing, and others.
• Knowledge of cross-cultural issues.
• Understanding of trauma-informed care.
• Alaska driver's license with acceptable criminal history and driving records.
• Ability to maintain a collaborative and cooperative work environment and to work with a minimum of supervision.
• Excellent verbal and written interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proficient with general office equipment including computers and related software, with Windows applications, databases, and report-generating software.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with peers, supervisors, clients, families, and visitors.
• Highly self-motivated and able to work under tight time constraints and under stressful and emotional situations.

Essential Functions:

• Identify peers' abilities and strengths and assess and assist them to recognize and use them. Assist individuals in identifying their personal interests and goals. Communicate these abilities, goals, and strengths to the peer's primary counselor.
• Educate and engage peers in the relapse prevention plan process as a means to recognize early triggers and signs of relapse and use individual coping strategies as an alternative to more restrictive services.
• In an affiliation capacity, facilitate contacts with other people to promote learning of social and recreational skills, create community, and acquire a sense of belonging.
• Teach peers how to identify and combat negative self-talk, identify, and overcome fears, and develop positive coping skills.
• Connecting peers with professional and nonprofessional services and resources available in the community, assisting with community reintegration, and assisting peers in building social skills in the community.

• De-escalate peers in emergency situations using crisis intervention techniques, and immediately contact supervisor and/or counselor.

• Complete appropriate training on medication distribution procedure, obtain medications for clients, observe client self-administration of medication, and complete required documentation.

• Support peers in completing assignments and step work and provide feedback.

• Act as a role model to peers to inspire hope and share life experiences and lessons learned as a person in recovery. Model and mentor recovery process and demonstrate coping skills.

• Assist with preparing and submitting critical incident reports and corrective actions.
• Transport and accompany peers on approved passes and to sober activities.
• Perform job site check-ins to ensure peers are at their approved job sites during ASAM 3.1 treatment.
• Attend staff meetings and complete required trainings.
• Adhere to all confidentiality regulations as well as 42 C.F.R., Part 2 and C.F.R., Parts 160 and 162 (HIPAA). Document client services in the electronic health records system.
• Maintain internal program statistics, referrals data, and follow-up records; enters data into Intergy EHR, and other databases, performs electronic transmissions, and produces related reports.
• Attend treatment team meetings to lend their unique insight into recovery and mental illness as needed.
• Facilitate Recovery Living Skills groups as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Software-related Skills: Microsoft Office Suite required; Intergy EHR; working knowledge of integrated database applications and ability to use new software programs with basic training.

Work Environment: The work environment is located in a Residential treatment setting. Noise level is moderate.

Language Skills: Must be able to understand, follow, and give both written and oral instructions. The employee must be able to use speech and hearing for ordinary and telephone conversation.

Mathematical Skills: Must be able to perform simple calculations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) and apply concepts such as ratios and percentages in practical situations.

Performance Skills: Must be creative, self-motivated, organized, flexible, and possess leadership skills.

Sacred Boundaries and Protect the Mission: Must complete the online course for this area and pass the Background Check required by The Salvation Army for employment.

Physical Requirements: Ability to sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or continuous basis. Ability to grasp, push, pull, and reach overhead. Ability to operate a telephone. Ability to lift up to 25 pounds. Ability to access and produce information from a computer. Ability to understand written information. Ability to operate a motor vehicle in darkness and during periods of inclement weather. Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation. A qualified person with a disability may request a modification or adjustment to the job or work environment in order to meet the physical requirements of the position. The Salvation Army will attempt to satisfy requests as long as the accommodation needed is reasonable and no undue hardship would result.

Acknowledgment of Religious Purposes of The Salvation Army: The employee acknowledges that he/she has been informed and understands The Salvation Army's religious purpose and status as a church. The employee agrees that he/she shall do nothing to his/her relationship with The Salvation Army as an employee to undermine its religious mission. The employee agrees and understands that his/her services are a necessary part of The Army's religious purposes and his/her work-related conduct must not conflict with, interfere with, or undermine such religious programs or The Army's religious purposes.

This position description should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this position. The incumbent may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this position statement.