General Statement of Duties:
Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (CPRS) are individuals who identify themselves as having a mental health and/or substance use problem and are in active recovery. Peer support is a system of giving and receiving help founded on the key principles of respect, shared responsibility and mutual agreement of what is helpful. Certified Peer Recovery Specialists are in recovery and share their recovery experience as appropriate. Certified Peer Recovery Specialists act as a positive role model for clients by practicing active listening, providing support, and connecting individuals to community resources. Persons in this position are classified as non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Continuation of employment in this position is contingent on availability of funds from the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS).
This position will provide peer support services to the participants in our local Drug Court program. This position will work to assist individuals with an identified Substance Use Disorder, or co-occurring SUD/MH disorder, successfully navigating the Drug Court requirements, helping to assist participants in establishing a social support system, and facilitating peer groups. The Certified Peer Recovery Specialist will work as a member of the Adult Outpatient Services team under the direct supervision of the Supervisor of Community Outreach.
This position is non-exempt under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Major Essential Functions:
Works directly with Drug Court participants to support them in establishing social support system and linking them to appropriate recovery communities;
Coordinates with Drug Court case managers to help address any barriers for drug court participants to achieving their stated goals and program expectations;
Supports Drug Court participants in locating and applying for employment opportunities, educational programs, and housing as appropriate;
May provide transportation for Drug Court participants to get to program related appointments;
Attends weekly Drug Court team meeting to collaborate and support Drug Court participants;
Will lead at minimum one group focused on Aftercare for Drug Court participants;
Models recovery behaviors and skills for drug court participants;
Collects essential data, writes contact notes, and otherwise documents efforts and outcomes;
Completes as needed GPRA on all participants;
Work collaboratively with community agencies as appropriate, including criminal justice, law enforcement, treatment facilities, social services, etc.;
Maintains effective relationships with consumers based on courtesy, compassion, and respect;
Maintains effective relationships with co-workers and community providers based on courtesy and respect;
Makes effective use of available technology, including computers, e-mail, and voice mail in order to enhance customer service;
Maintains a current level of knowledge regarding substance use and mental health disorders and available resources;
Assures compliance with agency policy, client rights, and confidentiality;
Is responsible for other duties as assigned, consistent with established policy and procedures.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Personal experience with mental illness and/or substance use and treatment;
Demonstrated awareness of ethical boundaries and human rights guidelines as they pertain to treatment and community services;
Understanding of the recovery model as it pertains to mental illness and substance use;
General knowledge of symptoms associated mental illness and substance use disorders;
Principles of record keeping and documentation as required;
Maintains an ethical appropriate to a helping relationship;
Understanding of confidentiality requirements;
General knowledge of community resources;
Skills in behavior management;
Skills in providing ongoing support as needed for clients working to live independently and participate in the community;
Good interpersonal communication;
Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and concisely (written and oral);
Shows good judgment;
Allows an individual with a disability to assume appropriate degree of responsibility for herself/himself.
Minimum Education and Experience:
Peer Certification or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Willingness to complete peer certification upon hire. Experience with drug court preferred.
Other Information:
Duration: This position is grant funded for 24 months; or until specified funds can no longer sustain the position.
Equipment: Telephone, copy machine, personal computer, word processing software.
Work environment: General office environment with normal lighting levels, temperature, air quality, ventilation and noise levels. Community settings including shelters, parks, and other locations where homeless individuals congregate or construct/establish temporary shelters, individuals’ homes or neutral community locations with environment as determined by occupant.
Office Location: 1241 North Main Street, Harrisonburg; and other sites as determined by program needs.
Work Hazards: Minimal hazards associated with rehabilitation programs
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, regular office hours; some evening hours may be required; additional hours to perform job requirements.