General Job Description
The Certified Peer Support Specialist's (CPSS) role is to support others in recovery from a substance use disorder. The CPSS will report to the Treatment Program Coordinator and will serve as a role model, mentor, advocate and motivator to recovering individuals in order to help prevent relapse and promote long-term recovery. The CPSS must demonstrate an ability to share personal recovery experiences and to develop authentic peer-to-peer relationships; in this case - Sentenced and Pre-trial Incarcerated Inmates.
- Duties for this Position
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- Maintain program logs, reports and records in appropriate files and database(s).
- Provide recovery education to program participants for every phase of the recovery journey, from pre-recovery engagement, recovery initiation, recovery stabilization, and sustained recovery maintenance.
- Provide a model for both people in. recovery and staff by demonstrating that recovery is possible.
- Assist program participants to identify their personal interests, goals, strengths and weaknesses regarding recovery.
- Recovery Planning: Facilitate (via personal coaching) the transition from a professionally directed service plan to a self-directed Recovery Plan. The goal should be to transition from professionally assisted recovery initiation to personally directed, community supported recovery maintenance.
- Actively identify and support links to community resources (communities of recovery, educational, vocational, social, cultural, spiritual resources, mutual self- help groups, professional services, etc.) that support the program participants' goals and interests. This will involve a collaborative effort including the participants, agency staff and other relevant stakeholders.
- Develop/ Support connections to community based, mutual self-help groups. Link individuals to appropriate professional resources when needed. Provide vision-driven hope and encouragement for opportunities at varying levels of involvement in community-based activities (e.g., work, school, relationships, physical activity, self-directed hobbies, etc.).
- Identify barriers (internal and external) to full participation in community resources and developing strategies to overcome those barriers.
- Be willing to work rotating days and shifts, including evenings and weekends, as directed by the CPSS Supervisor and Programs & Services Director.
- Be willing to work in various Housing Units, serving Sentenced and Pre-trial male and female inmates, as directed by the CPSS Supervisor and Programs & Services Director.
- Other duties as directed by CPSS Supervisor and Programs & Services Director.
- Position Minimum Requirements
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- Good knowledge of recovery resources such as the 12-step programs, recovery housing resources, and community support groups
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- High School Diploma or Equivalent
- Certification as a Peer Support Specialist from an accredited organization
- At least one year's experience as a peer support specialist
- Lived experience with mental health conditions, substance abuse, or trauma
- Must be able to pass the required pre-employment physical and background check.