PEER RECOVERY SPECIALIST (94000052)

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Job Role Summary

The Peer Recovery Specialist assists clients to access recovery-oriented substance use and mental health treatment, resources and community recovery supports. This position bridges the fragmented treatment system into a more holistic care model through providing support across multiple systems and frameworks of care across the community. The Peer Recovery Specialist maintains ongoing client support regardless of the stage of recovery and serves as a motivator, ally, role model, problem solver and advocate for patients who are seeking assistance. The Peer Recovery Specialist possesses a thorough understanding of community culture and is able to address the barriers of successful recovery, including decreasing stigma related to mental health and substance use while linking individuals to community resources and treatment options.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

•    Engages with individuals who have been identified as using substances for the purpose of assisting with access to initial and ongoing treatment and support 
•    Provides services in a variety of locations including client’s home, community, emergency department and outpatient treatment providers     
•    Works with clinical team to conduct initial needs assessment, reviews the patient’s substance use history and assists in identifying the client’s goals and expectations 
•    Helps individuals identify and address any barriers to on-going engagement with the treatment system
•    Accompanies patients to appointments, meetings and social service agencies as needed
•    Manages data entry into the electronic medical record and for purpose of tracking outcomes 
•    Integrates cultural awareness and sensitivity of diverse needs into client care in daily work 
•    Accurately, legibly and legally documents services provided; completes other required assessments and documentation
•    Develops positive rapport with clients and their families while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries 
•    Communicates effectively with cognitively impaired clients; remains composed and effective when faced with unexpected situations
•    Explains actions reasonably and clearly to clients  
•    Finds creative and effective solutions to complex problems and justifies prioritization when needed; identifies reasonable ideas/guides for prioritization of urgent requests and current demands
•    Provides community resource referrals, patient advocacy, support, outreach and follow-up as needs are identified within the client’s home community 
•    Initiates advocacy/liaison role for patients in referrals to and from community partners 
•    Teaches problem solving skills
•    Teaches consumers to identify and combat negative self-talk
•    Teaches consumers how to identify and overcome fears
 

Job Requirements

• Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent required
• Peer Recovery Certification, Community Health Worker Certification or Certified Recovery Specialist credential required and based on needs of the service area
• Minimum one (1) year in recovery required except as noted below:
• Narcotics Treatment Program Only: Three (3) years in recovery required
• Crisis Service Areas Only: Minimum one (1) year of experience required
• Strong customer service skills
• Outpatient Service Areas Only:  Valid Indiana driver’s license that meets Eskenazi Health’s driving policy requirements.
• Preferred: Ability to meet the Indiana Medicaid requirements as an Other Behavioral Health Professional (OBHP) or Qualified Behavioral Health Professional (QBHP) 
   

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

•    Demonstrates effective communication skills; ability to use age appropriate communication skills
•    Understands and has ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds 
•    Knowledge of and proficiency in operating computer programs including Microsoft Office
•    Ability to prioritize tasks and work effectively with complex tasks under pressure/time restraints/irregular schedules
•    Ability to effectively address issues of ethnic and economic diversity 
•    Strong interpersonal skills and a genuine caring attitude for patients, families and staff
•    Detail-oriented with the ability to think critically and independently
•    Effective written and verbal communication skills, including ability to communicate in a professional manner with physicians, administration and the general public
•    Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize work and devise own work patterns/methods; flexible to changing priorities; ability to work with minimal supervision
•    Meets the following basic competencies:
o    Basic first aid/CPR
o    Mental health and addictions
o    Documentation and billing practice
o    CPI
o    Confidentiality process and procedure
o    Annual education
o    Legal issues
o    OBHP eligible, preferred