Peer Support Specialist
St. Petersburg, Florida•Part-time
$15 - $17 hourly
$15 - $17 hourly
About the Job
POSITION SUMMARY:
Person in this position is someone that has direct lived experiences with substance abuse and has exhibited success in sustaining a crime and drug-free life for a minimum of two (2) consecutive years. This position provides peer leadership, outreach, advocacy, coaching and recovery support services to those seeking or sustain recovery within the community.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Educate and refer clients to community agencies and businesses that appropriately address their need for food, shelter, clothing, employment, transportation, social service benefits, etc.
- Utilize and manage Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems for data entry and client information tracking, ensuring program alignment.
- Provide services that promote wellness, recovery, and resiliency.
- Assist clients with establishing or re-establishing support systems within their community.
- Function as advocate on behalf of the patient to improve access to needed services, information, or treatment.
- Participate in clinical staffing decisions regarding the patients’ current strengths and resources and their need for additional resources.
- Provide support and supervision to program clients.
- Assist other WestCare staff as needed in a collaborative manner to promote cooperation and portray a professional image to the community.
- Facility involvement in recovery-related activities and assist in planning, organization, and facility group recreational and social activities.
- Must Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation; and
- Perform all other duties as assigned.
Field Label
Qualifications:
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Experience and Competencies:
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
- Compassion, empathy, and a non-judgmental approach towards individuals with substance use disorders.
- Understanding how to talk to and communicate with clients in an effective and appropriate manner.
- Bilingual/bicultural (English/Spanish) is preferred.
- Adherence to the highest standard of ethical conduct, especially to standards governing confidentiality.
- Professional appearance and demeanor.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain DCF Level II background clearance.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain and maintain WestCare’s vehicle insurance is preferred.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
- High School diploma or equivalent required.
- Lived experience and personal recovery from substance use disorders.
- Previous experience in peer support roles or related positions is preferred.
- An individual may seek certification as a peer specialist if he or she has been in recovery from a substance use disorder or mental illness for at least 2 years.
LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:
- CRPS Certification through the Florida Certification Board with one year of hire.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Work is primarily performed in an office or in a Residential treatment setting.
- Travel throughout and around the community and outreach is required.
- This position may require flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate client needs and community events.
About Westcare
Who We AreSince 1973, WestCare has provided health and human services with a commitment to delivering high-quality and cost-effective services that empower people to transform their lives.THE MISSION.We are resolutely dedicated to the populations we serve, as well as our employees, and actively promote the wellness and empowerment of individuals, their families, and their communities.Our MissionWestCare empowers everyone with whom we come into contact with to engage in a process of healing, growth, and change benefiting themselves, their families, co-workers, and communities.Where Do We Serve?Proudly serving sixteen states, three U.S. territories, the Dominican Republic and the Republic of PalauWhat Do We Do?We're a family of nonprofit organizations that provide a wide range of health and human services to improve the lives of those in our communities. Our service domains include:Mental Health & WellnessTreatment & RehabilitationCriminal JusticeVeteran ServicesHousing OpportunitiesEducation & PreventionDomestic ViolenceEmergency Support