Peer Support Specialist

Peer Support Specialist

Phoenix, AZ

A sign-on bonus of 5% of the annual salary is being offered

CPLC Corazón is a client-centered, multicultural center with bilingual staff offering a variety of treatment modalities. We have provided Substance Abuse treatment through our CARF Accredited Level II Residential Treatment Center since 1983. The 30- to 60-day structured treatment program incorporates best practices targeted to the clients enrolled.

OBJECTIVE AND POSITION SUMMARY

The Peer Support Specialist provides services focusing on recovery in a transitional living setting. The Peer Support Specialist performs a wide range of tasks to assist residents in regaining control over their lives and recovery process. The Peer Support Specialist will provide role model competency in recovery and ongoing coping skills.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

• Must meet the criteria for a Behavioral Health Technician; one or more criteria below must be met:
• Master's degree or bachelor's degree in a field related to behavioral health
• Registered nurse
• Physician assistant who is not working as a medical practitioner
• Bachelor's degree and at least one year of full-time behavioral health work experience
• Associate's degree and at least two years of full-time behavioral health work experience
• High school diploma or high school equivalency diploma and credit hours of post-high school education in a field related to behavioral health completed no more than four years before the date the individual begins providing behavioral health services and two years of full-time behavioral health work experience or four years of full time behavioral health work experience.
• Licensed as a practical nurse, according to A.R.S. Title 32, Chapter 15, with at least two years of full-time behavioral health work experience.
• Experience working in a residential setting or transitional home
• Knowledge of behavioral health systems and community resources
• Ability to work with unique populations such as seriously mentally ill, homeless, and/or justice-connected men.
• Must be responsible and reliable
• Must be capable of dealing with crises
• Must conduct themselves in a professional manner
• Possess good written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be able to pass a drug test upon hire and adhere to the CPLC chemical use policy.
• Must have or obtain within 30 days of hire: CPR/First Aid Certification, CPI certification, AZ Fingerprint Clearance Card, and current TB test.
• Possess an Arizona Driver's license, vehicle insurance, and ability to be covered under CPLC's policy.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

A). Utilize personal and professional life experiences to provide peer support to residents served by transitional living.

Provide, assist, and link residents to community resources.

Offer encouragement and support to residents as needed.

Empower residents with skills connected with activities of daily living, e.g., teaching and reinforcing budgeting, use of public transportation, social and leisure skills, grooming and personal hygiene skills, meal preparation skills, effective parenting, communication, etc.

Provide residents with information about the agency and procedures, including the Peer Support Specialist role to assist them in successfully engaging.

Serve as a bridge to ensure the resident and Corazon staff understand each other's perspectives and information.

Provide non-judgmental, unconditional support to residents.

Model effective coping techniques for residents.

Participate in providing various support services for residents (i.e., support groups, family activities, etc.)

Produce and maintain accurate and timely documentation.

B). Manage and monitor individually assigned caseloads.

Crisis documentation was completed the same day as service.

The follow-up to service commitments, engagement, re-engagement for missed appointments, letters of intent, welfare checks, and appropriate discharge functions are completed within the required periods.

Maintains and monitors caseload statistical information, including presenting issues, length of stay, and outcome measures when assigned.

Conducts outreach to residents or family members/caregivers and the community and acts as a liaison between residents, family members/caregivers, and community services providers.

C). Participate in a multi-disciplinary team in providing treatment for residents.

Communicate and coordinate services with other treatment providers when appropriate.

Provide essential expertise and consultation to the treatment team to promote a culture in which each individual's point of view and preferences are recognized, understood, respected, and integrated into treatment, rehabilitation, and community self-help activities.

Provide information regarding observations of and interactions with individuals.

Participates in the monitoring and documentation of the progress of assigned individuals.

Completes incident/accident reports when necessary.

D). Assists residents in developing self-advocacy, communication, and empowerment skills.

Accompany individuals to meetings and participate in meetings of community groups to advocate for individual needs.

Fosters the individual's development of healthy relationships by encouraging participation in community activities.

Observes behavior and evidence of general well-being and discuss observations with the individual.

Assists each individual in meeting needs. May access services, locate social activities, or provide community support services as needed.

Assist individuals with filing complaints by finding resources, advising the individual of processes, and encouraging follow-through with proposed resolutions, as needed.

E). Provide peer support services to individuals supported through transitional living.

1. Assists person supported in determining personal goals for recovery.

2. Meets with individual residents to provide advice and support under the treatment plan.

3. Assists in peer support groups with assigned residents regularly.

4. Assists designated clinical staff with their counseling approaches for residents.

5. Supports/assists individuals in daily decision-making and resolution of minor problems.

F). Will be crossed trained to support the Corazon program and other job duties as assigned.

Effective January 3, 2022, all CPLC Employees and all Service Providers must be Fully Vaccinated against COVID-19. Newly hired employees, who are not Fully Vaccinated at the time of hire, are expected to begin a vaccination series immediately upon hire. CPLC recognizes medical and religious exemptions to the COVID-19 vaccination requirement by applicable law and upon approval by CPLC. However, any person approved for an exemption, without exception, is subject to masking.