Position Title: Peer Support Specialist

Program: Expanding Horizons

Classification: Non-exempt, Full time

Summary and Range of Authority: Under the direction of the Lead Counselor, the Peer Support Specialist is responsible for providing support, treatment, and related services to the target population.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conducts peer support rehabilitation counseling to clients through individual, group and collateral sessions,
• Facilitates weekly Recovery Services sessions groups and individuals,
• Inspire clients towards recovery by being a compassionate and effective role model utilizing motivational interviewing, trauma informed model and relapse prevention language.
• Document all the services rendered in compliance with DMC ODS, CalAIM and other applicable requirements and standards,
• Provide regularly scheduled prosocial activities based on the preferences of the clients.
• Coordinates and operates monthly open houses for the program
• Prepares accurate and timely documentation of all the services rendered as required through DMC ODS, county and other applicable requirements, and standards,
• Meet weekly/monthly productivity of the billable unit services as assigned,
• Provides case management and other supportive services,
• May need to transport clients to other services and activities,
• Functions as a member of an interdisciplinary team in its effort to carry out the program mission through effective and timely communication,
• Provide culturally competent services. Work well with TAY, immigrants, refugees, and other culturally diverse clients,
• Conducts community outreach and marketing activities,
• Assist clerical and administrative duties as assigned,
• Other duties as assigned.
• Maintain strict confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2.
• Provide all other related services required by master contract SOW.
• All duties and responsibilities shall be delivered in compliance with Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System (DMC-ODS), County of San Diego BHS SUDPOH, DHCS State Certification Standards and other relevant regulations.

Required Education, Certifications/Licenses and Language/Cultural Skills:

• High School diploma, GED or equivalent,
• Completion of a 75-hour peer support training program approved by the County of San Diego required within 30 days of employment.

Minimum Experience and Qualifications Required:

• Must have lived experience of recovery as a recipient of substance use services
• Knowledge and experience relevant to work with individuals with substance use disorder
• Minimum 6 months experience with teaching and/or running small group discussion
• Some knowledge and experience regarding community substance use, mental health and social services
• Some knowledge of human behavior, psychology, and cross-cultural and bicultural issues
• Conduct gender-specific, observed drug testing to clients congruent to the individual treatment plans and as needed. Alcohol and drug testing include patch, urine analysis, oral swab, and breathalyzer.
• Professional demeanor and understand the sensitive nature of client confidentiality in substance use settings
• Must be open and able to appropriately share his/her own experiences as a substance use disorder client and/or a family member as a message of hope for clients.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, and Internet Browsers
• Ability to work well under pressure.
• Ability to provide various services via TeleHealth through Microsoft Teams and Zooms.
• Must be drug tested prior to hire and drug test results shall be negative for illegal drug use, including marijuana.
• Must have TB clearance at hire followed by annual clearance.
• Must have certified First Aid and CPR training (including infant CPR).
• Will not be debarred or excluded from participation in Federal programs by the General Services Administration and/or the Department of Health and Human Services of the Inspector General
• Must go through background check (Live Scan Fingerprint).
• Must be able to drive (when needed) for business purposes in San Diego County. If employee drives his/her personal automobile for UPAC business, employee must have valid California driver’s license and comprehensive automobile insurance coverage, as required by law.
• If recovering, must be clean and sober and stable in the recovery process for at least 1 year.
• Must be free of probation or parole for at least one year.
• Must comply with all agency and contract requirements related to trainings, public health, certifications, reporting, etc.
• Must be COVID-19 vaccinated and boosted if applicable or must be eligible for religious or medical exemption

Additional Preferred Education or Qualifications:

• Bilingual and/or, bicultural in Spanish.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Spends approximately 70% of work time sitting and meeting with others or working at a desk and/or computer. Spends approximately 30% of work time standing or walking within the work area or outside the office at meetings and events, also bends, twists, stoops and reaches. Ability to communicate in writing and verbally. Regularly required to sit and talk or hear. Frequently is required to use hands to touch, handle or feel and reach with hands and arms. Occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 25 pounds. Working conditions are normal for an office environment, event venues and a commercial kitchen. The noise level is usually moderate.