POSITION TITLE: Peer Specialist

EFFECTIVE DATE: 2024

PROGRAM: Substance Use

REPORTS TO: Substance Use Program Manager

FACILITY: Gilmore Annex

CITY: Bartow

JOB STATUS: Part- time

FLSA: Non Exempt

Job Summary:

A Peer Specialist provides peer mentoring and support for individuals with Substance Abuse disorders. They assist individuals in navigating the mental health services system, DCF, and court services in achieving resiliency and recovery as defined by the person.

General Expectations:

In the performance of their respective tasks and duties, all employees are expected to conform to the following:

1. Fully understand and consistently exhibit all of Peace River Center's Core Values, while fostering the same with other employees, customers and vendors.
2. Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
3. Interact professionally with other employees, customers and vendors.
4. Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
5. Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.

Essential Duties/Requirements/Activities:

• Comply with all Center policies and procedures except those for which the employee gives notice of the need for reasonable accommodation and for which the Center can make such reasonable accommodation.
• Assist non-consumer staff in identifying program environments that are conducive to recovery; lend unique insight into substance use disorders and what makes recovery possible.
• Attends all scheduled work hours, meetings, training, and other center functions as scheduled.
• Complete all daily progress notes, documentation, and assessments in a timely manner as mandated in the Substance Use policies and procedures.
• Document persons progress to maintain a permanent record of person's activity according to established methods and procedures.
• Participate in staff organizational meetings and treatment planning review meetings.
• Provide transportation to participant's for scheduled medical, dental, or other recovery-oriented appointments as needed and determined to be in the best therapeutic interest of the participant as assigned.
• Assist and support Substance Use participants to carry out Treatment Plan and Treatment goal tasks.
• Help Substance Use participants to access reliable transportation (e.g., arrange for cabs, access bus line, apply for Handibus, etc.).
• Provide practical help and support, advocacy, coordination, side-by-side individualized support, problem solving, direct assistance, training, and supervision to help Substance Use participants obtain the necessities of daily living including medical and dental health care; legal and advocacy services; financial support; money-management services; transportation; social-skill development; and assertiveness training to increase their social and interpersonal activities in community settings.
• Assist consumers in articulating personal goals for recovery.
• Assist Substance Use participants in creating a Relapse Prevention Plan.
• Utilize and teach problem solving techniques with individuals and groups.
• Teach Substance Use participants how to identify and combat negative self-talk and overcome fears.
• Model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies.
• Inform Substance Use participants about community and natural supports and how to utilize these in the recovery process.
• Assist Substance Use participants in developing empowerment skill through self-advocacy and stigma-busting

Qualifications:

Education:

High School Diploma or GED

Experience:

Has received services for symptoms of substance use and have at least three years of sobriety

Certifications:

Must have received certification from the State of Florida as a Certified Peer Specialist or be willing to obtain that state certification

Training:

Complete all PRC required trainings

Knowledge and Skills:

Strong commitment to the right and ability of each person with a severe and persistent mental illness to live in normal community residences; work in the job market; and have access to helpful, adequate, competent, and continuous supports and services.

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Skills and competence to establish supportive trusting relationships with persons with severe and persistent mental illnesses and respect for person's rights and personal preferences in treatment.

Good written and verbal communication skills.

Safety Equipment

Universal Precautions

Comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules and regulations

Life Safety Equipment (fire extinguisher)

Transportation:

Must have reliable transportation

Must carry and maintain $50,000/$100,000 bodily injury coverage on personal vehicle and provide proof of coverage

Must have a valid Florida driver's license

Must submit to a Florida criminal/offender background check

Must meet Peace River Center's DOT driving requirements with a minimum age of 25 and clean driving record

Company cars are provided and will be used as available. At times, a company car may not be available at the time you may need to go into the community to provide services. During those times, you must use your personal vehicle and will be awarded travel reimbursement according to Peace River Center policies. However, participants are never to be transported in personal vehicles. The company vehicles will be reserved for participant transportation.

Physical Requirements:

Machines, Tool and Equipment Used:

Computer, telephone, fax, copier

Supervisory Relationship(s)

None

Work Environment:

The work environment is fast-paced and consists of exposure to physical conditions typical of a normal office environment. The populations cared for will include patients who are confused, delusional, irrational, agitated, or uncooperative. Most of the job is performed while sitting, although the work may require occasional standing or walking and/or the lifting and carrying of small objects. A small amount of travel may be required for meetings etc. to another PRC location.

EEO Statement

One of the greatest assets of the PRC is the ethnic, cultural, and social diversity of its employees. PRC takes great pride in the diversity and values and respect of all its employees, regardless of race, color, sex, marital status religion, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, age, disability, gender identification, or sexual orientation.