A Peer Specialist provides peer mentoring and support for individuals with substance use disorders who have an open, active DCF dependency case.. They assist individuals in navigating the mental health and substance use services system as well as the dependency court system and 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 all direct reports.
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 staff without substance use lived experience 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 FIT Team policies and procedures.
• Document progress of people served to maintain a permanent record of each person's activities according to established methods and procedures.
• Participate in staff organizational meetings and treatment planning review meetings.
• Provide transportation to people served for scheduled medical, dental, or other appointments as needed and determined to be in the best therapeutic interest of the individual as assigned.
• Assist and support FIT individuals to carry out Case Plan and Treatment goal tasks.
• Help FIT individuals to access reliable transportation (e.g., arrange for cabs, access bus line, apply for Handibus, etc.).
• Provide practical help and supports, advocacy, coordination, side-by-side individualized support, problem solving, direct assistance, training, and supervision to help FIT individuals 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 people served in articulating personal goals for recovery.
• Assist FIT people serve in creating a Relapse Prevention Plan.
• Utilize and teach problem solving techniques with individuals and groups.
• Teach FIT people served how to identify and combat negative self-talk and overcome fears.
• Model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies.
• Inform FIT people served about community and natural supports and how to utilize these in the recovery process.
• Assisting FIT people serve in developing empowerment skills 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 complete and pass state certification within one year of hire. This includes all components of Peer Specialist training required by DCF.

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 and/or substance use disorder to live in normal community residences; work in market jobs; 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/or substance use disorder 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 $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury coverage on personal vehicle and provide proof of coverage

Must have a valid Florida driver's license Click here to enter text.

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, Individuals receiving program services are never to be transported in personal vehicles.The company vehicles will be reserved for transportation of persons served.

Physical Requirements:

Machines, Tool and Equipment Used:

Computer, telephone, fax, copier

Technology Requirement:

As an employee of Peace River Center, if you are not assigned a company-issued phone, you will be required to authorize the use of the Microsoft Authenticator app on your personal mobile device. This is necessary to access our payroll and communication system, Paycor, and Microsoft email as examples. This will ensure secure and efficient communication with the organization.

Supervisory Relationship(s)

None

Work Environment:

Fast-paced work environment. The populations cared for will include individuals who are confused, delusional, irrational, agitated, or uncooperative. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Must understand and accept the possibility of exposure to inside environmental conditions such as communicable diseases and physical/verbal abuse from an out-of-control individual receiving services.

Approximately 75% of work performed will be in-home or in the community, outside of the office.

Flexible daytime hours

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.