Substance Use Disorder Peer Recovery Specialist

General Statement of Duties:

Peer Recovery Specialists (PRS) are individuals who identify themselves as having a mental health and/or substance use disorder and are in long-term active recovery.  Peer support is a system of giving and receiving help founded on the key principals of respect, shared responsibility and a mutual agreement of what is helpful.  A PRS is in long-term active recovery and shares his/her recovery experience as appropriate.  PRS act as a positive role model for clients.  PRS actively listen, support, offer hope to, teach, coach, and connect individuals to community resources.  Persons in this position are classified non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

This position will provide outreach to individuals identified by community partners who have a substance use related issue, are legally involved, and could benefit from additional supports in accessing treatment services which can include, but are not limited to, therapy, case management, and medication assisted treatment (MAT).  The position will support individuals in accessing treatment services through HRCSB and provide ongoing peer support as needed while an individual is receiving treatment services.  This position will work to assist individuals with an identified Substance Use Disorder (SUD), or co-occurring SUD/MH disorder, in accessing treatment and other needed community resources.  Additionally this position will work with community partners targeting our local criminal justice system (i.e. Rockingham Harrisonburg Regional Jail, District 39 Probation and Parole Office, etc.) to increase awareness and knowledge about medication-assisted treatment (MAT).  The PRS will be directly supervised by the Peer Program Coordinator and in coordination with the Supervisor of Community Outreach.

Major Essential Functions:

Models and coaches recovery behavior and skills for identified caseload of clients;

Refers individuals to treatment and recovery support services with the agency and in the community as appropriate;

Coordinates with Peer Program Coordinator, case managers, and other treatment team members to help address any barriers for clients so that they can achieve their stated goals;

Establishes, and maintains, positive peer relationships with participants to effectively engage them in accessing services and community resources as well as participating in treatment needs;

Supports clients in locating, and applying for, employment opportunities, educational programs, and housing as appropriate;

Conducts evaluations to determine client needs and to ensure the identified participants are appropriate for Peer Services;

Develops Recovery, Resiliency, and Wellness Plans with clients and completes reviews at appropriate intervals;

Provides support to participants during times of crisis and assists in linking participants to appropriate crisis stabilization services;

Lead group programming as able;

May provide transportation for participants to program related appointments;

Refers clients at risk for HIV infection, AIDS, TB, hepatitis, and STDs and other health concerns to appropriate agencies for testing and treatment;

Produces client related service records and maintains accurate and up-to-date documentation consistent with agency policies and procedures. Maintains detailed documentation that is commensurate with requirements for Medicaid reimbursement and licensure regulations;

Receives regular individual guidance and supervision from Peer Program Coordinator,

Assists with completing all data collection requirements for continued funding by DBHDS;

Collects essential data, writes contact notes, and otherwise documents efforts and outcomes;

Works collaboratively with community agencies as appropriate including criminal justice, law enforcement, Harrisonburg-Rockingham Housing Authority, the Department of Social Services, Child Protective Services, the Department of Rehabilitative 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;

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.

Makes effective use of available technology, including computers, e-mail, and voicemail in order to enhance customer service;

Regular attendance is required;

Performs duties as assigned consistent with established operational policies and procedures of the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Community Services Board;

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Personal lived experience with substance use disorder and/or co-occurring disorder 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 substance use and/or co-occurring symptoms and disorders;

General knowledge of substance use and/or co-occurring symptoms and disorders;

Principles of record keeping and documentation as required;

Basic ethics appropriate to a helping relationship and understanding of confidentiality requirements;

General knowledge of community resources;

Skills in behavior management;

Skills in providing ongoing support as needed to promote ability to live independently and participate in the community;

Good interpersonal communication;

Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and concisely (written and oral);

Shows good judgement;

Allows an individual with a disability to assume appropriate degree of responsibility for herself/himself.

Additional Requirements:

Possession of a current, and valid, driver’s license with an acceptable driving record;

Background check with favorable results;

MANDT Training;

CPR/First Aid Certification;

Trauma Informed Training;

Additional trainings and required.

Minimum Education and Experience:

Peer Certification or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.  Must become a Certified and Registered Peer Recovery Specialist within 9 months of start date. One year of experience with SUD and/or co-occuring population is preferred but at least some amount of experience is required.  High school diploma required; some college experience is preferred, but not necessary.

Equipment:  Telephone, copy machine, personal computer, word processing software.

Work Environment:  Community settings (homes, workplaces, shelters, streets) and other locations with highly variable work environments.  General office environment with normal lighting levels, temperature, air quality, ventilation, and noise levels.

Office Location: 1241 North Main Street, Harrisonburg, VA, and other community 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.  Regular and reliable attendance is required.