• Peer Support Specialist

    WestCare Foundation (St. Petersburg, FL)


    Peer Support Specialist

    Job Details

    Job Location

     

    Saint Petersburg - 1735 Martin Luther King S Floor 1 - Saint Petersburg, FL

    Position Type

    Full Time

    Education Level

    High School

     

    Salary Range

     

    $15.00 - $17.00 Hourly

     

    Job Category

     

    Nonprofit - Social Services

    Description

    POSITION SUMMARY:

    Person in this position is someone that has direct lived experiences with substance abuse and has exhibited success in sustaining a crime and drug-free life for a minimum of two (2) consecutive years. This position provides peer leadership, outreach, advocacy, coaching and recovery support services to those seeking or sustain recovery within the community. Essential Job Functions include those listed below.

    ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

    + Facilitate life skills and client groups.

    + Conduct daily room inspections to ensure cleanliness and identify any contraband.

    + Perform weekly one-on-one meetings with clients, document progress in case notes and update case plans accordingly.

    + Provide residency letters and make referrals to community partners such as Metro, Directions, SA, SVDP, and SOAR.

    + Assist clients in obtaining essential resources, including Blue Cards, SNAP/food stamps, and housing applications.

    + Administer drug testing and monitor client medications, including inventory counts and documentation.

    + Oversee daily operations, including verifying completion of client chores; maintaining sign-in sheets, rosters, and curfew logs; stocking supplies in the office, kitchen, and bathrooms; sorting mail and filing daily paperwork in the appropriate logs/books

    + Submit incident reports, shift reports, and disciplinary write-ups as needed.

    + Conduct client intakes and ensure timely updates in the CDS (Client Data System).

    + Collect weekly rent payments and update CDS records accordingly.

    + Collaborate with probation officers by providing regular updates on clients' compliance and progress.

    + Educate and refer clients to community agencies and businesses that appropriately address their need for food, shelter, clothing, employment, transportation, social service benefits, etc.

    + Provide services that promote wellness, recovery, and resiliency.

    + Assist clients with establishing or re-establishing support systems within their community.

    + Function as advocate on behalf of the patient to improve access to needed services, information, or treatment.

    + Participate in clinical staffing decisions regarding the patients’ current strengths and resources and their need for additional resources.

    + Provide support and supervision to program clients.

    + Assist other WestCare staff as needed in a collaborative manner to promote cooperation and portray a professional image to the community.

    + Facility involvement in recovery-related activities and assist in planning, organization, and facility group recreational and social activities.

    + Must Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation; and

    + Perform all other duties as assigned.

    Qualifications

    ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

    To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required

     

    + Must be able to pass a Level II DCF background check.

    + Must be able to pass a Department of Corrections background check.

    + Must possess avalid Florida Driver’s Licenseand beeligiblefor coverage underWestCare’s insurance policy.

    + Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

    + Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

    + Compassion, empathy, and a non-judgmental approach towards individuals with substance use disorders.

    + Understanding to talk to and communicate with clients in an effective and appropriate manner.

    + Bilingual (English/Spanish) is preferred.

    + Adherence to the highest standard of ethical conduct, especially to standards governing confidentiality.

    + Professional appearance and demeanor.

    + During your tenure with WestCare there may be new requirements, including, but not limited to vaccinations that are issued by local, State, Federal, and/or Funders that WestCare may have to comply with. Should this occur Human Resources or appropriate personnel will inform you.

    EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

    + Lived experience and personal recovery from substance use disorders.

    + Previous experience in peer support roles or related positions is preferred.

    + High School diploma or is equivalent is required.

    + An individual may seek certification as a Peer Specialist if he or she has been in recovery from a substance use disorder or mental illness forat least 2 years.

    LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:

    + CRPS Certification through the Florida Certification Board withinone yearof hire.Preference will be given to those who already have CRPS Certification.

    WORKING CONDITIONS:

    + Work is primarily performed in an office or in a Residential treatment setting.

    + Travel throughout and around the community and outreach may be required.

    + This position may require flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate client needs and community events.

     

    WestCare is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment at WestCare is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment drug test,

     

    pre-employment physical and criminal background check.