STATE CERTIFIED PEER RECOVERY SUPPORT SPECIALIST at WVFSRS

Job Summary: The Peer Support Specialist role is to use their own unique, life-altering experience to guide and support others who are in recovery from substance abuse. The PRSS will serve as a role model, mentor, advocate, and motivator to recovering individuals in order to help prevent relapse and promote long-term recovery.

Qualifications and Education Requirements
●        High school diploma or GED
●        WV Peer Recovery Support Specialist Certification
●        Must have been in recovery for a minimum of two years and be involved with a personal support and / or recovery system and not                    have received SUD treatment for the preceding six months
●        Attestation of Recovery Statement
●        Lived experience/ history of receiving mental health services, substance abuse disorder, or trauma
●        Ability to work well independently and in a team environment
●        Ability to work with a diverse group of people
●        At least 18 years of age
●        Valid driver's license and auto insurance preferred

Preferred Skills
●        Effective verbal and written communication skills
●        Must be resourceful, an independent and critical thinker, and self-sufficient
●        Ability to prioritize tasks, exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality with sensitive information
●        Proficient understanding of basic office applications and computer skills.

Certifications All certifications will be required to be completed prior to start date with revalidation per company’s policy
●        HIPAA
●        Adult CPR - First Aid
●        Blood Borne Pathogens 
CPI validation required within 30 days of employment with revalidation per company’s policy. 

Role and Responsibilities
●        Assist individuals with recovery planning, relapse prevention, housing needs, and education/employment
●        Assist recovering persons to identify their personal interests, goals, strengths, and weaknesses regarding recovery.
●        Maintain project logs, reports, and records of activities with clients in appropriate files or database.
●        Exhibit a non-judgmental approach, listen with empathy, and have the ability to support people in discovering their own solutions
●        Ability to share personal lived experience in a way that empowers others
●        Provide a model for both people in recovery and staff by demonstrating that recovery is possible
●        Provide education and advocacy within the community and reduce the stigma and discrimination against people with mental health                and substance use disorders
●        Inspire hope and create connection for people new to recovery
●        Facilitate the transition from a professionally directed service plan to a self-directed recover plan for their clients.
●        Support Connections to community based, mutual self-helps 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.).
●        Actively identify and support linkages to community resources (communities of recovery, educational, vocational, social, cultural, spiritual resources, mutual self-help groups, professional services, etc.) that support the recovering person’s goals and interests. This will involve a collaborative effort including the recovering person, agency staff, and other relevant stakeholders.
●        Identify barriers (internal and external) to full participation in community resources and develop strategies to overcome those barriers. ●        Participate in verbal de-escalation and physical interventions in emergent situations and is able to assist other staff as needed to                     maintain a safe healing environment for all.
●        Other duties as directed