Peer Support Specialist (48744)

POSITION SUMMARY:

Responsible for providing mentoring and individual and group support services to adults with challenges associated with mental health and/or substance use disorders, as well as performing other work-related tasks as assigned. Essential Job Functions include those listed below.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Conduct community outreach activities to sensitize communities to issues of mental health, substance use disorders, and the risks that can lead a person to suicidal ideations or attempts.
• Ability to work with a multidisciplinary team to identify regions, schools, agencies, organizations and/or other entities that may benefit from guidance related to suicide prevention.
• Work with a multidisciplinary team to identify individuals who may benefit from suicide prevention guidance or support services.
• Coordinate, convene and facilitate support groups and / or activities aimed at recovery and well-being issues.
• Guide the community on the availability of support resources associated with suicide prevention.
• Promote a work culture and service coordination aimed at recovery, based on the sensitivity, self-care and empathy of the people to whom support services are provided.
• Promote the cultural competence needed to work with vulnerable populations in the community, making staff aware of culture, jargon, recreational activities and opportunities to impact the population.
• Participate in case discussion meetings and project programmatic meetings, as needed.
• Participate in peer support meetings with staff from other ASSMCA programs who have participated in trainings coordinated by the /she/Director of their Program, as indicated. It prepares reports and will write on the file the results of its interventions and work carried out, as necessary.
• Must Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation; and
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Experience and Competencies:

• Knowledge of evidenced based practices.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Superior organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in word processing programs, preferably MS Word, and spreadsheet programs. Internet skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• High level of initiative.
• Adherence to the highest standard of ethical conduct, especially to standards governing confidentiality.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Bilingual (fluent in English and Spanish).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a criminal history background check.
• Pursuant to Executive Order 2021-075 you must submit proof of vaccination against COVID-19 and pursuant to Order 2021-082 evidence of vaccine booster; or instead medical or religious exemption that meets the requirements set forth in the executive order, as well as negative PCR test or antigens every 7 days.
• During your tenure with WestCare there may be new requirements, including, but not limited to vaccinations that are issued by local, State, Federal, and/or Funders that WestCare may have to comply with. Should this occur Human Resources or appropriate personnel will inform you.
• CPR Certification, First Aid Certification, and an annual Tuberculosis test.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• 2 years without recurrence of substance use, experience working with populations in need, ability to understand and implement the concepts of life skills, independent, and ability to understand and address the needs of participants.
• Experience working with populations in need.
• High School Diploma or equivalent.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:

• Not applicable for this position.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is primarily performed in an office or in a Residential/Outpatient treatment setting.
• Some outdoor activities may be required.
• Must be able to de-escalate situations in the program.