Peer Support Specialist

At DAP Health we are committed to transforming lives and advancing health equity for all. As a leading nonprofit health care provider we deliver compassionate high-quality care to the diverse communities of the Coachella Valley and San Diego County. Our comprehensive services range from primary care to mental health wellness programs and beyond with a focus on those who are most vulnerable. Joining our team means becoming part of a passionate innovative organization dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve. If youre looking for a dynamic and purpose-driven environment we invite you to explore the opportunity to contribute to our mission.

Job Summary
The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) is a non-clinical role within the Client Wellness Center whichprovides structured support to clients facing mental health substance use disorder or otherpsychosocial challenges. The Peer Support Specialist functions as a mentor educator and rolemodel to peers exhibiting competency through personal use of recovery strategies. The PSSperforms a wide range of tasks to assist DAP Health clients of all ages from young adult to
senior in regaining independence within the community and mastery over their own life skills.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None
Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Facilitate non-clinical peer groups as approved by Wellness Center Manager
• Participate in additional specialty training to enhance services offered to clients andpatients. These might include facilitator training for SMART Recovery Seeking SafetyFreedom from Smoking or other evidenced-based programs which meet community andpatient demands
• Offer judgement-free individual support for clients who are in varying degrees ofrecovery
• Engage and support clients in the process of positive change be it regarding mentalhealth substance use disorder or other psychosocial issues
• Maintain an understanding of Motivational Interviewing techniques as it relates topromoting readiness to change
• Assist clients with resource navigation connecting individuals to relevant communityservices and support
• Promote self-advocacy personal growth and independence for clients newly in recoveryfrom substance use
• Utilize and teach problem-solving techniques to clients individually or in a group setting
• Work with each client to identify high risk situations and triggers that may threaten theirrecovery and teach or model effective coping strategies
• Work with the clients and other treatment team staff as necessary to develop anindividual care plan or recovery plan based on the goals identified by the client
• Review individual care and recovery plans with the Wellness Manager and fullydocument these in the clients file
• Document any other interaction with the client family members or professionalsinvolved in his/her care accordingly
• Walk the client through the process of entering in-patient treatment by collaborating withthe Riverside County CARES team. Guide clients through the initial intake call andobtain their psychiatric and medical clearance via their clinician or through the 24/7Mental Health Urgent Care and obtain transportation to an in-patient treatment center ifnecessary
• Maintain community outreach contacts with local substance use treatment facilities andcollaborate with service providers in providing intake services for clients
• Assist in locating sober living facilities for clients when needed
• Assist in referring clients to appropriate aftercare services when needed
• Act as the liaison between the 12-Step community and the Wellness Center includingscheduling onsite meetings and communicating any facility closures that will affectmeeting schedule
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Applicant is required to have a minimum of two years of sobriety from substances
• Experience and skills sufficient to use community resources necessary for independentliving and to teach these skills to clients
• Knowledge of local community behavioral health services community agenciescommunity resources and support groups
• Peer Support Specialist Certificate required; must obtain within 90 days of hire
• Current BLS certification obtained through the American Heart Association or AmericanRed Cross is required; must obtain within 90 days of hire
• Certification as a Chemical Dependency Counselor (e.g. CADC) preferred
• Associate degree in Alcohol and Drug Studies Addiction Counseling or a related field preferred
• Experience providing peer support in substance use recovery settings preferred

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements

• This position is on-site at DAP Health Sunrise
• Ability to lift 24 pounds
• Operates in an office setting and requires frequent times of sitting standing repetitivemotion and talking