Peer Recovery Support Specialist

Job Summary and Purpose

Position will implement a recovery-oriented approach to help people with a substance use condition to initiate and sustain their recovery.

Qualifications
Job Requirements:

Requires valid Texas Driver’s License, appropriate driving record and auto liability insurance that meets the minimum required by the State of Texas Statues.
High School or GED required
Minimum of one (1) year of recovery from opiate disorder required
Ability to multi-task and consistently communicate in a professional manner
Require computer literacy.
Mental and physical health sufficient to meet the demands of the position.
Have excellent people skills that enable them to establish a rapport and put others at ease
Duties and Responsibilities:

Assisting participants in identifying their own interests, gifts and skills, passions, life goals and hopes for the future, as wells as personal sources of resilience and hope.

Strengthening existing community connections and building new ones that can help people move forward in their own recovery journey – connections might include natural supports like self-chosen faith communities, barbershops and beauty salons, community colleges and local libraries, recovery community organizations, recreational groups, and other places and people that can support living life as contributing citizens.

Fostering friendships where participants help each other address and work to overcome challenges faced in the wider community such as stigma, discrimination, and misunderstanding.
Assisting people with identifying and connecting with the supports and services that will help them sustain their wellness and recovery over time
Facilitate groups of 2 to 10 in which participants help each other identify personal strengths, interests, social relationships, hopes for the future, and sources of well–being, as well as learn new knowledge and skills that can support their recovery journey
Assist participants to learn how to find community opportunities, resources, and destinations that match their own interests and hopes for the future
Assist participants to become more comfortable with self advocacy
Help participants build personal skills and confidence in telling their own stories of recovering and moving forward in life (for instance:  “What has helped me move forward in living?”; “What are some activities, experiences, and relationships that have helped?”)
Facilitate groups in which participants help each other face challenges like stigma, discrimination, and misunderstanding in the community and with family members
Conduct individual interviews with participants to assist them in identifying their needs, preferences, and goals related to services
Write notes that describe client encounters and group experiences
Serve as a role model who shares personal strengths and skills as well as the hope for recovery is possible for everyone
To provide recovery check-ups with individuals who have transitioned from the service setting into the community
To support individuals in developing comprehensive recovery plans
To support individuals in identifying and then strengthening their relationships with recovery allies
To assist individuals in identifying their personal obstacles to recovery
To assertively connect clients to relevant community resources by periodically accompanying them so they seek opportunities to build new relationships
Conducts self in a manner consistent with professional standards
To participate in orientation, training, staff meetings, and supervision services
Adheres to Agency dress code
Adheres to all Agency policy
Other duties assigned
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Be able to work well as a partner and mentor with participants
Be comfortable:Facilitating groups
Learning about community opportunities, resources, and destinations
Using their own experience to help others – especially their experience in recovery and ability to self-advocate
Have the ability to express themselves in both written and verbal communication
Have the ability to express themselves in both written and verbal communication
Comfort in working individually and in a team
Be willing to share personal life experience and use their experience to motivate, comfort, and inspire other
Be flexible and open to multiple, personally chosen pathways forward in recovery and living in the community (comfortable knowing that no one way forward in recovery and community living fits everyone)