Peer Recovery Support Specialist - BFNB

at  Catholic Charities Inc

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE:

1. A minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent.
2. Must hold professional certification as a Peer Recovery Support Specialist issued by the Mississippi Department of Mental Health.
3. A working knowledge of co-occurring disorders.

SKILLS/ABILITIES:

1. Ability to relate compassionately, non-judgmentally and professionally to a wide variety of people.
2. Excellent time management and organizational skills.
3. Unconventional assets.
4. Excellent written/verbal/phone/computer skills.
5. Advocacy
6. Ability to follow directions but also make sound independent decisions.
7. Local resident or familiarity with the community.
8. Ability to reflect on and apply lived experience within professional boundaries.
9. Excellent ability to maintain personal and professional boundaries.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to read, write, and speak English
• 
  Must be physically and emotionally capable of performing all functions of the job
  I understand the elements of my job description and realize that it may not be all inclusive of my responsibilities, but will serve as a guideline of what is expected of me. I acknowledge and understand that my job description is not intended to be a contract, expressed or implied, and do not alter my status as an at-will employee. I certify that I have read the above, that I understand all of the terms, and that I am capable of and willing to fulfill all the requirements of the position as specified above.

Employee Name (printed)

Employee Signature Date

Supervisor Signature Date

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Utilize specific training and core skills in order to serve chemically dependent pregnant and parenting women by offering support to help them develop skills that will help them reach their own desires and goals. Present specific and unique skill sets to assist women in overcoming barriers in meeting their goals. Share individual recovery experiences and develop authentic peer-to-peer relationships. Support women in navigating the mental health system and assist them in identifying appropriate community resources to meet their needs. Work with individuals one-on-one and in groups to provide long term recovery planning.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. Provide professional care and supervision for all program residents and their children during their treatment.
2. Identify and nourish peer recovery relationships with residents in order to expand their support network, establish essential connections with the recovery community, and receive advocacy.
3. Utilize professional peer recovery support training and knowledge of the 12 Steps to educate chemically addicted women on their chemical history and step work.
4. Conduct peer recovery specific educational groups to focus on topics related to recovery from substance use and mental health disorders, life skills, and coping strategies using both professional training and lived experience.
5. Support chemically addicted women during treatment discharge and their transition back into the community to increase access to and utilization of community resources by connecting women with recovery specific resources and individuals familiar to the Peer Recovery Support Specialist.
6. Assist in the admission/orientation process for people who are new to receiving addiction treatment services to inspire hope in recovery and create a connection based on shared living experiences.
7. Share recovery education, skills, wellness planning, and connect women to self-help strategies learned from professional peer recovery support training and lived experiences.
8. Complete comprehensive peer support specific recovery support plan for each resident within 30 days of their admission.
9. Maintain up to date peer recovery support documentation in each resident’s case record according to Department of Mental Health standards.
10. Complete phone intakes for potential residents, use professional skills to screen for appropriate applicants and transfer to the admissions coordinator in a timely manner.
11. Conduct a comprehensive recovery specific needs assessment on each resident within 48 hours to determine services for medical needs, social service needs, and educational needs.
12. Serve as a professional member of the treatment team and provide feedback from a unique peer recovery support viewpoint in regards to program residents.
13. Keep current CPRSS-R certification with the Department of Mental Health as well as current with all agency and program training.
14. Maintain each individual’s confidentiality of all treatment and recovery issues.
15. All other duties as assigned by the Program Director.