Peer Support Specialist

SUMMARY: The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) is an active member of the Nags Head Treatment Center and provides peer support services to clients with substance use disorders during their incarceration and reentry post release. The PSS will function as a role model to peers; exhibit competency in personal recovery and use of coping skills; serve as a consumer advocate; provide consumer information and peer support for patients in outpatient settings; and assist with effective communication, conflict-resolution, and crisis intervention skill development. The PSS performs a wide range of tasks to assist adult peers with regaining independence within the community and gaining mastery over their own recovery process. The PSS will support patients in medication-assisted treatment, encouraging them in their recovery journey.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: Provides quality of care to patients in terms of compliance with expectations of the Facility, SAMHSA, NCDHHS, CARF, and other licensing and credentialing boards in order to ensure the effectiveness of peer support services. Conducts individual support services as needed to assist patients with meeting requirements of treatment enrollment and treatment plan goal attainment. Produce clear and concise documentation for all support and counseling services rendered. Responsible for providing appropriate referrals to patients in need. Motivates patients for change, recovery process, coping skill development, and reacclimating lives to ensure healthy, safe, and productive living. Provides crisis intervention as needed. Appropriately and professionally provides patient education, and peer support. Ability to keep clear legal and ethical boundaries with patients, staff, and community resources and supports. Interacts and relates well with peers and other professionals to assure comprehensive and quality care for the patients.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Minimum of 2 years consecutive recovery. Minimum of 1 year of Peer Support Specialist field experience. Knowledge of 12 Core Functions, the recovery process, ability to coach; teach; mentor; and educate patients. Ability to recognize the signs and symptoms of substance use, intoxication and impairment, and mental illness. Ability to deescalate patients via crisis and non-violent intervention skills. Knowledge of local community supports for extended services.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read and write English. Ability to generate clinical documentation of interventions and support services rendered to patients in keeping with regulations and requirements of credentialing and auditing bodies (NC SOTA, NCDHHS, CARF, etc.).

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, & REGISTRATIONS: Peer Support Specialist certification, First Aid certification, Non-violent crisis intervention, and HIV/AIDS education.