Peer Support Specialist

Description

The Peer Support Specialist will monitor clients, transport them for treatment, communicate and document all occurrences, and help to provide a safe, caring environment in which the clients can recover. The Peer Support Specialist will spend more direct time with the clients than any other position, and as such, are the lead role models in helping the clients to rebuild new lives. It requires maintaining a positive, productive attitude, even when clients may be argumentative or non-compliant.  

Duties/Responsibilities 

• Monitor/supervise clients at all times. IE: Recovery Community, 12 step meetings, gym, outside activities, Outpatient Clinic, wherever and whenever you are in the presence of active program participants.  
• Ensure that clients adhere to facility rules. Guidance and assurance of program guidelines and requirements at the RC & RF, and wherever and whenever in the presence of active program participants.  
• Support & Intervention - verbally support clients as needed in times of confusion, discontent, and disappointment, helping them to understand the value of the treatment experience while maintaining appropriate boundaries. De-escalation of situations through nonviolent crisis interventions and personal commitment to their wellbeing.  
• Transport clients and/or staff to and from a variety of destinations at the direction and discretion of your immediate supervisor or designee.  
• Record Keeping/Documentation – daily shift reports, client behavioral incidents and any consequences given to clients or turned in to staff, maintenance needs, forms or documents used by Axiom in the course of a treatment episode.    
• Perform inventory on office supplies and food, shop as needed. Making sure all supplies are kept adequately stocked and being certain to inform appropriate parties when supplies are low. 
• Computer filing into electronic medical record (RTC locations) 
• Prepare rooms/units for new clients - When a client discharges treatment, his/her unit must be prepared for the next client, including but not limited to laundry, bedding, sanitizing all areas and cleaning refrigerator. 
• Perform routine facility maintenance as needed. IE: change lightbulbs, air filters etc. 
• Help maintain a clean facility being sure that all trash is emptied, staff areas are kept clean and tidy, outside facility areas are kept debris free, IE: cigarette butts, fallen fruit, cups or any other items not in their appropriate place. General housekeeping as needed. 

Required Competencies/Abilities:  

• Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed. 
• Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values. 
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments. 
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan. 
• Ability to write professional correspondence and reports free from grammatical and spelling mistakes. 
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret emails, letters, policies, procedures, etc. 
• Ability to operate 15-passenger van 
• Ability to work at least 1 weekend day/night shift in their scheduled work week 
• High level of patience 

Requirements

 Education and Experience 

• Background in SMI Mental Health or Psychology 
• Working knowledge of recovery programs including The 12 Steps, Smart Recovery, etc. 
• Valid Driver’s License with clean driving record, as determined by BBC’s insurance carrier 
• Must be 25 years of age (requirement in order to drive company vans) 
• Knowledge of Windows, basic email, Microsoft Word, timekeeping software, and basic computer navigational skills. 
• Shift Flexibility 
• Self-motivated and self-directed 
• Take direction well 
• Team player 
• Food Handler’s Card 
• Active CPR and First Aid certification required (may be provided by BBC). 

Physical Requirements: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and taste or smell. Employee will regularly be required to drive a passenger van. Employee may be required to be exposed to outside elements for prolonged periods of time. 

The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. 

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.