Peer Outreach Specialist (REAL program)
Overall Function: To provide recovery and peer support services to individuals seeking assistance with their wellness and recovery who have been referred primarily by Law Enforcement but may also include referrals from community providers, probation, Sherriff Dept., UN Police, etc. Provide recovery-oriented services; promote self-directed care, prevention, choice, mutual support, enrichment, and rights protection.
Responsibilities: Assist with the daily operation and provide recovery and peer support services to individuals as needed. Duties include, but not necessarily limited to:
• Mentoring and coaching within established health and wellness programs
• Provide opportunities for individuals receiving services to direct their own recovery process
• Confidentiality
• Assist in system navigation and community resources consistent with the needs and interests of the participant; following the principles of person directed and trauma informed care.
• Connect with referral within a timely manner which is within 24 hours or less.
• Communicate with the referring party on contacts within the HIPPA parameters
• Provide individualized, unlimited follow along supports
• Promote the utilization of natural resources within the community;
• Facilitate the development of a sense of wellness and self-worth;
• Participate in treatment meetings and provide advocacy as the participant requests
• Complete all necessary documentation; and
• Adhere to all program policies and procedures
• Carries out other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
• Have personal experience and knowledge of recovery
• A genuine hope and optimism that their peers will succeed and can recover
• A sincere interest in the welfare of their peers, including the ability to see each person as a unique individual
• A willingness to learn the recovery model and adhere to MHA mission and core principles
• A willingness to share their own recovery experience
• An ability to flexibly engage people based on their level of receptivity and individual needs, acknowledging that even the same person may need different types of peer-based services at different points in their recovery process.
• Have demonstrated proficiency in reading and writing;
• Be able to establish trusting relationships with their peers and community partners
• Be able to work independently and as a member of a team;
• Be able to provide direct peer support services;
• Be able to work evenings and weekends;
• Have enough knowledge of city's public transit system;
• Be able to use computer to record services or be willing to learn
• Be able to complete Peer Support training within 12 months of hire
• Complete documentation and return phone calls in a timely manner
• Have the ability to work independently
• Ability to drive for 75% of working hours
GENERAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
• It is the responsibility of each MHA-NE employee to:
A. Treat all participants with dignity and respect, consider participant needs, and advocate for the people we serve.
B. Maintain confidentiality of agency, participants, employee and salary information.
C. Promote the human dignity, rights, safety and well-being of program participants served professionally and ethically handle agency and participant's money and property.
D. Fulfill all responsibilities as an ethical reporter.
E. Display a positive attitude towards program participants, community partners, and the agency.
F. Demonstrate good communication with program participants, supervisors, peers, outside resources and family/guardians.
G. Demonstrate good attendance
H. Punctually attend all assigned meetings, in-services and trainings.
I. Demonstrate involvement as a team member.
J. Adhere to all applicable regulations, laws, policies, procedures, and know and understand your job description.
K. Submit paperwork and meet job responsibility deadlines as assigned.
L. Maintain all required approvals/licensures/certifications.
M. Maintain a good driving record
N. Position will contain medium physical work consisting of exertion of up to seventy (70) pounds of force occasionally, exerting up to twenty (20) pounds of force frequently and exerting up to ten (10) pounds of force often to move objects. This position consists of a combination of sitting, standing, or walking.
0. Other duties as assigned.
