Job Role Summary

The Peer Support Specialist will transport and staff the mobile unit as well as any free-standing SSAS clinics, providing sterile syringes and other harm reduction supplies, written and verbal education, and referral information for the clients at SSAS.

Associated Job Duties

• Assumes responsibility for self-growth by attending in-services and/or conferences, and engaging in other educational activities related to harm reduction.
• Participates in public health emergency preparedness exercises and in the response to public health emergencies, as directed.
• Participates in a minimum of two H.O.P.E. events totaling a minimum of eight (8) hours annually. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 
• Maintain confidentiality of participant information in accordance with HIPAA guidelines as well as SSAS expectations. 

Qualifications

• Skills and knowledge acquired through completion of high school or equivalent
• Extensive knowledge of the principles of harm reduction
• At least one full year of recovery and stability (if former user)
• Data entry experience
• Valid Indiana driver's license and access to vehicle for frequent in-county travel. Must meet the "Driver Requirements" as stated in the Health and Hospital Corporation, "Vehicle/Driver Safety Program Policy 200-1".

Licenses/Certifications Required

Valid driver's license

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Language Skills:

• Excellent verbal communication skills and strong interpersonal skills. Must be able to communicate effectively and tactfully with the public, Indiana State Department of Health personnel, clinic staff at referral sites, coworkers and clients both orally and in writing
• Must be familiar with medical terminology as related to intravenous drug use, HIV and Hepatitis C testing, wound care, immunizations and other health care issues.

Mathematical Skills:

• Recognize and interpret client reported data regarding intravenous drug use practices and perform basic computations, to ensure client is given enough supplies to practice clean injection at every injection.

Reasoning Ability:

• Sound judgement and discretion in all interactions with clients.
• Able to convey sensitivity to clients' needs and situations, respond appropriately when dealing with difficult clients and respond effectively to stressful situations.
• Ability to judge the safety of a situation and respond appropriately.
• Demonstrate ability to work effectively with individuals of diverse races, socio-economic statuses, housing statuses, variations in hygiene, ethnicities, ages, sexual orientations, and people who inject drugs