Peer Recovery Specialist

Catholic Charities • Full-time • Westampton, New Jersey • 2m ago

Job Summary:

The Peer Recovery Specialist role will provide substance use treatment navigation and support for consumers seeking services at EISS. The position will aim to eliminate persistent barriers to substance use treatment through assistance with scheduling appointments, coordinating transportation and connecting consumers to appropriate resources and treatment services. The position will focus on addressing the various social determinants of health associated with substance use disorder and engagement in behavioral health services through facilitating care coordination with medical services, behavioral health services and social service agencies. This position will offer peer mentorship for one-on-one support, coordinate recovery-oriented activities and group facilitation with the goal to promote overall wellness and substance use recovery.

Essential Functions:

Assists clients with substance use disorder seeking services through early intervention support services in developing a culturally competent recovery plan that identifies goals with measurable objectives and assesses strengths.
Identifies barriers that can inhibit goal attainment, and monitors the progress made attaining those goals.
Provides and/or facilitates transportation to appointments, and by accompanying clients on appointments to reduce consumer apprehension.
Provides coordination with treatment providers by accompanying consumers when appropriate, and resolve other concerns that might interfere with access.
Supports clients with the overall navigation of substance use and behavioral health treatment, social service and recovery support systems.
Supports individuals as they move through the stages of change to encourage them in their recovery through one on one peer mentorship.
Conducts group facilitation that covers a wide range of topics such as coping skills, habits, trauma, triggers, isolation risks, etc.
Works collaboratively with case management and medical services to ensure individuals engage in appropriate services and transition to the next level of care.
Serves as a positive role model by sharing experiential knowledge, hope, and skills.
Conducts client follow up to assist him/her in the treatment engagement and retention process.
Assists individuals with gaining coping skills needed to initiate and maintain recovery and maintain compliance with MAT if it is part of their treatment.
Assists in establishing and sustaining a social and physical environment supportive of recovery.
Advocates for appropriate and effective community treatment and recovery services.
Empowers individuals to make self-determined and self-directed choices about their recovery pathway.
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:
Knowledge of mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorder; with the ability to act as a good coach for this population
Background knowledge of: Substance use treatment and community integration programs focusing on behavioral and physical health services.
Strong knowledge regarding the impact of mental health, substance use disorders and psychosocial stressors on physical health conditions.
A minimum of 1 year(s) experience providing substance use treatment and behavioral health care education services.
Bilingual skills will be preferred.
Experience working with chronic and infectious illness associated with vulnerable communities and populations.
Travel in the community may be required.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills are essential.
Strong computer skills, including Excel and database management, including the ability to document while simultaneously taking information over the phone or in person.