REQUIREMENTS: Successful candidates must have experience working with persons who have a substance use, mental health or co-occurring disorder; and with homeless households. Educational experience at minimum includes a High School Diploma and at least two-years; a Degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology or other Behavioral Health Sciences. Candidates who possess an Associate’s degree must also have one year of experience. A Bachelor’s degree is preferred. Peer Support Specialist certification is not required but preferred. Language abilities in Spanish, Farsi, Amharic and Korean is a plus. Requirements including the ability to interact and communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing. The Peer Support Specialist must be able to prepare written reports; possess data entry skills, monitor and direct program activities; and ensure the safety and security of program operations. The successful candidate must have effective oral and written communication skills, be able to develop effective working relationships with other staff, community partners, and individuals served at the program. Strong organization skills, problem-solving skills and judgment are desired. OTHER: This position requires driving the company vehicle (up to 15 passengers) and personal vehicle for company business including transporting clients/residents. Must be privileged to drive according to the criteria set forth by Agency MVR guidelines. Valid driver’s license in jurisdiction of residence Vehicle liability coverage if driving personal vehicle (on occasion, may be required to transport clients in personal vehicle) May be required to drive a van Acceptable EBI background, FBI Fingerprint, Child Protective Services, OIG Exclusion check Negative Drug/TB Screening CPR/First Aid Certification must be acquired and maintained once employed
Required Skills
PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES: Work one-on-one with each participant to determine strengths and needs to develop and meet self-directed recovery goals Utilize tools such as Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) to help participants create their own individualized recovery plan. Assist participants in determining the steps he/she needs to take in order to achieve his/her goals of self-directed recovery and housing stability. Assist client in identifying and plugging into self-help groups, community groups, faith based community groups to foster participant’s community involvement Work closely with Community Case Manager to collaborate continuity of care and place referrals to the community as needed. Document and report concerns to Community Case Manager in a timely manner. Assist participants with empowerment skills to improve coping techniques and self-help strategies Consult with direct supervisor or supervisor on duty regarding participant’s personal needs, behavior and service planning. Follow appropriate critical incident protocol and accompanying documentation Provide in-home visitation to support participants who were recently re-housed. Maintain a comprehensive and accurate written record of events that occur during visitations As clinically appropriate, share their own recovery story and how they tackled obstacles or challenges in their recovery journey to help normalize participant experience. Maintain healthy boundaries with program participants Perform other duties as assigned. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical requirements described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties. The physical ability to travel to assigned locations and safely operate a motor vehicle to transport oneself, consumers, and program supplies as necessary. The physical to stand, stoop, bend, reach, pull, push, lift, grasp, climb, talk, see, hear and perform basic and light home maintenance activities, and operate office equipment. Move and lift light objects up to 30 pounds such as mail, supplies, files, and equipment. Operating office equipment requiring continuous or repetitive hand/arm movements. The ability to remain in a sitting position for extended periods of time. EFFECTS ON END RESULTS: Provides empathy and support to move vulnerable clientele Improves housing and recovery outcomes Implements a true Housing First model of recovery OTHER DUTIES: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF JOB DESCRIPTION: I have read the job description, understand the responsibilities, and accept the terms of employment with Volunteers of America Chesapeake, Inc.: SIGNATURE ______________________________________ DATE: ______________
Required Experience
PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES: Work one-on-one with each participant to determine strengths and needs to develop and meet self-directed recovery goals Utilize tools such as Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) to help participants create their own individualized recovery plan. Assist participants in determining the steps he/she needs to take in order to achieve his/her goals of self-directed recovery and housing stability. Assist client in identifying and plugging into self-help groups, community groups, faith based community groups to foster participant’s community involvement Work closely with Community Case Manager to collaborate continuity of care and place referrals to the community as needed. Document and report concerns to Community Case Manager in a timely manner. Assist participants with empowerment skills to improve coping techniques and self-help strategies Consult with direct supervisor or supervisor on duty regarding participant’s personal needs, behavior and service planning. Follow appropriate critical incident protocol and accompanying documentation Provide in-home visitation to support participants who were recently re-housed. Maintain a comprehensive and accurate written record of events that occur during visitations As clinically appropriate, share their own recovery story and how they tackled obstacles or challenges in their recovery journey to help normalize participant experience. Maintain healthy boundaries with program participants Perform other duties as assigned. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical requirements described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties. The physical ability to travel to assigned locations and safely operate a motor vehicle to transport oneself, consumers, and program supplies as necessary. The physical to stand, stoop, bend, reach, pull, push, lift, grasp, climb, talk, see, hear and perform basic and light home maintenance activities, and operate office equipment. Move and lift light objects up to 30 pounds such as mail, supplies, files, and equipment. Operating office equipment requiring continuous or repetitive hand/arm movements. The ability to remain in a sitting position for extended periods of time. EFFECTS ON END RESULTS: Provides empathy and support to move vulnerable clientele Improves housing and recovery outcomes Implements a true Housing First model of recovery OTHER DUTIES: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF JOB DESCRIPTION: I have read the job description, understand the responsibilities, and accept the terms of employment with Volunteers of America Chesapeake, Inc.: SIGNATURE ______________________________________ DATE: ______________