Peer Support Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

Provide education, assessment, intervention, outreach and transportation services to the Veterans, working with patients individually, intro to step-work, and education around other self-help modalities. Peer Support Specialist develops and maintains relationships with patients in the building as well as provides psychoeducation and aids in patient engagement and/or ATA blocks. Peer Support Specialist assists in coordination of speaker meetings, maintains calendar and coordinates with Alumni Services Coordinator. Peer Support Specialist coordinates community building activities that are recovery-based.

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

The duties listed below reflect the general details considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job as identified and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the position.

• Peer Support Specialists perform job functions as determined by Program Director, CEO, and needs of the facility.
• Provides transportation to VA appointments and/or other community appointments
• Peer Support Specialist is responsible for groups/lectures, including:
  • Alternative Self-Help meetings (Intro to NA, Dharma, Smart Recovery, etc.) at designated times as determined by the Program Director
• Meets with client within 24 hours of admission to complete a patient engagement.
• Meets with patients weekly to review individual work and self-help introductions.
• Maintains support in clinical programming with detox and veterans/first responders.
• Provides support to Alumni Coordinator with scheduling Alumni speakers.
• Works with patients to develop a daily routine focusing on behaviors needed for long term recovery.
• Orients the patient to the facility, program, and schedules.
• Willingly shares personal recovery experiences, demonstrates and models effective coping techniques and self-help strategies.
• Assists in coordination of speakers to engage with patients in evening programming.
• Assists in patient engagement with patients and ATA blocking.
• Meets with patients individually to provide treatment work including but not limited to step work.
• Completes Exit Surveys with discharging or step-down patients.
• Complies with facility policies and procedures.
• Participates in all staff meetings; responsible for obtaining information.
• Approaches patients/family members, significant others, and visitors with a respectful caring manner to convey a sense of concern and warmth.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient information and records; and of facility proprietary, privileged, and/or confidential information.
• Communicates and problem solves via the chain of command.
• Delivers care in a non-judgmental and non-discriminatory manner, sensitive to patient and staff diversity.
• Seeks corrective criticism and has the ability to evaluate suggestions objectively.
• Completes daily tasks as assigned and documents the delivery of all patient services.
• Promotes a favorable/positive work atmosphere.
• Attends in-services and educational training as necessary and as assigned.
• Seeks out learning experiences and incorporates new knowledge into practice.
• Maintains flexibility and adaptability to expected and unexpected changes in the work environment.
• Performs all other tasks as assigned.
• Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the job.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in the field of substance abuse, knowledge of 12 steps or customer service.
• Must be computer literate.
• No education required. On-the-job training is offered.
• A minimum of one (1) year experience in substance abuse is preferred.
• Must have a valid driver's license

Employment Status: Full time

Schedule: Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 6: 30pm

Work location: Houston, TX

Compensation Range: $15-20 hourly