Peer Support Specialist
Duties and Responsibilities: The Peer Support Specialist will provide support, encouragement, and guidance to individuals who are facing challenges related to substance use recovery, mental health, or other life difficulties. This position works closely with staff from the Henderson County Adult Recovery Court and Re-entry to support program participants; Provides individual coaching, mentoring and consultation to promote recovery, self-advocacy and self-direction while maintaining appropriate boundaries; Responsible for assisting in creating opportunities for community education and outreach activities; contributes to the development and delivery of educational programs such as overdose awareness and treatment, community naloxone distribution resources, etc; Collaborates with other human services, law enforcement and health agencies; develops and maintains up-to-date network of local human services resources that provide healthcare, detox, and treatment services; Links participants to wrap around services as needed and assists in completing and submitting necessary referral paperwork; Coordinates direct services with program members to community resources; Tracks data meticulously and reports to the Director all program interactions, naloxone distribution data, outreach interactions, and referrals to care; Performs outreach to individuals within Henderson County affected by drug use and other at-risk behavior to connect them to appropriate community resources; Participates in all required staff meetings and training sessions on best practices and harm reduction; completes ongoing training to maintain certification compliance; Listens and connects with participants to express and address their concerns; encourages and suggests constructive action such as counseling, support group, and/or other local resources; Creates and maintains accurate confidential program records for assisted individuals, to include statistics and services delivered.
Qualifications: Ability to work autonomously and independently with little direct supervision as well as be a highly effective team member; Thorough knowledge of the emotional and psychological impact of life experiences with substance abuse, prostitution, or criminal involvement; Considerable knowledge of local community human services agencies, services provided, and the professional network to assist clients. Knowledge of local mental health agencies, detox, and treatment facilities; Demonstrated skill in accurately assessing needs of clients during crisis, to determine options, and to making referrals as appropriate; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, families, various social, health, medical, etc. agencies and County personnel as peers, supervisor and the general public; Excellent written and oral communication skills. Comfortable with performing public speaking and group presentations; Knowledge of drug use, harm reduction programs, Hepatitis C, STIs, and HIV/AIDS; Knowledge of personal safety standards, safety techniques and safety principals that guide at home visits; Ability to stay calm and maintain professionalism in emergency crisis; Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and treat participants with respect, warmth, and positive regard; Ability to exercise sound judgment; Ability to express ideas, concepts, and plans effectively, both in oral and written forms.
Pre-employment drug test and background checks required of finalist applicants.
Applications must be obtained, fully completed, and submitted to Henderson County HRD by mail 112 First Avenue West, Hendersonville, NC 28792, by email (hrd@hendersoncountync.gov), or by fax (828) 698-6184. Please see our website, www.hendersoncountync.gov/hr and refer to the Additional Applicant Information section for more detailed instructions.
The deadline for application is: Open until filled
Starting rate: $20.95 - $36.86
Pay grade: 70A
