Job Description
Description Shift: Monday - Friday 9am - 5:30pm
Purpose: (General description and summary)
The Peer Specialist at Comfort Zone, a program based in a living-learning peer-run drop-in center, works under the guidance of the Senior Program Manager of Peer Services. This individual works together with the team to provide a variety of diversity and equity focused recovery-oriented services to individuals who have self-identified as desiring peer support to promote greater independence, community integration and recovery from mental wellness and substance use challenges.
Comfort Zone provides a safe, trauma-informed space for individuals to find community and recovery through a variety of activities: groups, outings, and other activities as decided upon by the community. The Peer Specialist will assist individuals through intentional peer services identify and develop natural community supports to lessen dependence on the mental health system. They will work towards building community rapport while increasing visibility and attendance at the drop-in center.
Peer Support is strengths-based and focuses on assisting individuals to identify and develop their personal strengths and aptitudes to foster recovery and independence.
Accountabilities: (Responsibilities of the job)
- Partner with community providers and members to increase visibility and spread awareness of Comfort Zone and the services provided.
- Transport participants as needed.
- Assist with attendance taking and tracking of membership data collection.
- Provide milieu support, modeling appropriate social engagement with members.
- Uphold the expectations as defined for Comfort Zone; redirecting/refocusing inappropriate or disruptive behavior.
- Exemplify recovery principles to show by example that recovery is possible and attainable. Share personal recovery stories when appropriate and walk the road of recovery alongside the participant.
- Educate and advocate for the values and principles of the National Association of Peer Support Guidelines (NAPS).
- Work to increase the level of cultural sensitivity, awareness, and competency regarding Person-Centered and Peer-Delivered Services.
- Connect with other New Narrative programs to ensure seamless delivery of Team Based Care (multidisciplinary teams workings together).
- Attend and positively participate in required team, agency, and interdisciplinary meetings.
- Develops and facilitates peer-led groups, activities, and outings.
- Ensure timely completion of all required paperwork.
- Maintain a regular work schedule.
- Complete all other assignments promptly as requested by supervisor.
Description of other duties:
- Help to maintain a log of all volunteer hours and donations monthly.
- Provide support for members seeking to learn and increase wellness skills.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Supervision Received
- Receive regular supervision from the Peer Supervisor, seeking additional supervision whenever necessary.
- Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and group supervision as required.
Other General Expectations:
- Ability to display a non-judgmental attitude.
- Creative, innovative, and progressive problem-solver.
- Ability to multi-task and remain calm in a busy and stressful environment.
- Proficiency in basic computer skills.
- Attend peer conferences.
- Maintain peer certification (20 CEUS over a three-year period).
- Follow all New Narrative policies, procedures, and protocols.
- Maintain confidentiality of protected health information of members.
- Maintain CPR and First Aid Certificate.
- Must be able to pass a criminal history check through the Department of Human Services, including participating in an appeals process if necessary.
Core Competencies: (Listing of skills, abilities, characteristics, and knowledge)
- Communication: Direct and concise. Keeps people informed. Listens effectively to others.
- Teamwork: Effective at working in team situations.
- Individual Responsiveness: Responds well to internal or external individual needs.
- Dependability: Counted on to follow through with commitments; arrives to work each day and on time; work completed in a timely fashion.
- Independence: Receives little-to-no instruction on routine work; with general instruction on new assignments.
- Feedback orientated: Demonstrates, engages, and promotes regular forms of feedback from program participants, New Narrative staff, and colleagues.
- Aptitude: Ability to comprehend and apply innovative ideas, processes, procedures, or trainings.
- Organizational Awareness: Understands the culture of the organization, interests, and concerns of various groups.
- Supportive: On-going ability to support others and remain emotionally present.
- Demeanor: Remains calm in a crisis while being empathetic, unbiased, and demonstrates excellent interpretation skills.
Education/Certificates/Licenses/Registration:
Peer Support certification that is recognized by the Traditional Health Worker Registry. Credentials must be obtained within six months of hire.
Qualifications:
- Self-identifies as a current or former recipient of mental health services and/or addiction services. Must be able to identify how personal lived experience leads to an understanding of the needs of persons with mental wellness and/or substance use challenges.
- Individual must maintain personal recovery, while demonstrating the path of recovery to others.
- Valid OR or WA driver’s license and personal insurance.
- Preference of direct support experience in the peer support field.
- Preference for multilingual applicants.
Job Tags
Monday to Friday, Shift work,