Peer Support Specialist

at The Salvation Army USA Central Territory in Chicago, Illinois, United States

Job Description

THE SALVATION ARMY
NORTH AND CENTRAL ILLINOIS DIVISION
Harbor Light
POSITION DESCRIPTION
POSITION TITLE: Peer Support Specialist
LOCATION/DEPT: Harbor Light
REPORTS TO: Support Programs Manager
FLSA CATEGORY: Non-Exempt
STATUS TYPES: RPT
DEPARTMENT MISSION
To provide each client with positive, professional, and quality service; always promoting respect dignity and fairness to each client, while making appropriate referrals which will assist clients in reaching their maximum level of independence.

PROGRAM/CLIENT ENVIRONMENT
The backgrounds of the clients served by The Harbor Light Program will manifest a variety of inappropriate behaviors. When this occurs, employees are to respond within the context of the treatment environment of the site. Employee conduct (actions, dress, etc.) and interactions (conversations, written communications, etc.) with clients must also be within the treatment environment of the facility.

OUTCOMES
The Peer Support Specialist will aid clients seeking recovery support services and give insight from their lived experiences as clients navigate through the recovery process.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Maintain reports and records in appropriate files, and always maintains strict confidentiality of client information.
Provide recovery education to clients for every phase of the recovery journey from pre-recovery engagement, recovery initiation, recovery stabilization, and sustained recovery maintenance.
Provide a model for both people in recovery and staff by demonstrating that recovery is possible.
Assist/coach client develop their own plan for advancing their recovery; for "getting the life they want," through community supported recovery maintenance.
Promote self-advocacy by assisting clients to have their voices fully heard; their needs, goals and objectives established as the focal point of rehabilitation and clinical services.
Support connections to community based, mutual self-help groups. Link individuals to appropriate professional resources when needed. Provide vision-driven hope and encouragement for opportunities at varying levels of involvement in community-based activities (e.g., work, school, relationships, physical activity, self-directed hobbies, etc.).
Develop relationships with community groups/agencies in partnership with others in the agency.
As the Peer Support Specialist position evolves and knowledge increases, visit community resources with client to assist them in becoming familiar with potential opportunities.
Identify barriers (internal and external) to full participation in community resources and developing strategies to overcome those barriers.
Maintain contact by phone and/or e-mail with recovering person after they leave the program to ensure their ongoing success and to provide re-engagement support in partnership with others in the agency if needed. Long-term engagement, support, and encouragement.
Works with client to assist in completion of their Individual Recovery Plan.
Assists with running a variety of recovery groups including AA, NA, 12 Step, educational, and recreational.
All other duties as assigned.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
This position reports to the Support Programs Manager.
In contacts related to this position duties, this individual acts as a representative of the Army and its mission.
PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS
This individual will be evaluated on how effectively and efficiently the outcomes of this position are achieved, as well as the timeliness, accuracy, and completeness of accomplishing assigned goals.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
Certified or getting certified within 2 years as a Peer Support Specialist with IAODAPCA.
A high school Diploma.
Shared experience and a minimum of one year of sobriety needed.
COMPETENCIES
A commitment to the mission of The Salvation Army and an appreciation for faith based service organizations.
An interpersonal style that is service oriented as well as anticipates and responds to the needs of clients.
A flexible style that also displays a willingness to learn.
Able to work as a team member as well as independently.
An excellent attention to detail, procedures, processes, and policies.
Have the ability to work cooperatively with the supervisor, clinical and support staff.
Must have a strong sense of integrity and be able to work with confidential... For full info follow application link.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. The Salvation Army is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified job applicants, job candidates, and employees with disabilities to ensure they enjoy equal access to all employment opportunities and benefits of employment as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. EEO is the Law.