Peer Recovery Support Specialist

WESTSIDE IS LOOKING FOR A PEER RECOVERY SUPPORT SPECIALIST TO JOIN THE TEAM!JOIN THE TEAM THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY!Westside Family Healthcare is a nonprofit organization that provides high quality primary medical care without regard to ability to pay. The Peer Recovery Support Specialist is a core member of the collaborative care team who coordinates the peer recovery and support services for patients with substance use and mental health problems. Service provision will focus on working with patients and families to enhance their recovery. The Peer Recovery Support Specialist will mentor and help patients in recovery by providing person-centered support, guidance, hope, encouragement, education, care navigation, and advocacy to address barriers to care, including social determinants of health. The Peer Recovery Support Specialist will work closely with the primary care and behavioral health teams to support patients.Since opening our doors in 1988, Westside has been driven by our mission to improve the health of our communities by providing equal access to quality healthcare. With 240 team members, five health centers, one mobile health unit and over 27,000 patients all across Delaware, Westside is committed to improving health, one patient, one family, one community at a time.WORKING AT WESTSIDE MEANS WORKING IN A PRIMARY CARE MEDICAL HOME.A Primary Care Medical Home is not a special building. It is a way to provide healthcare that puts the patient at the center of health care decision-making. As a community health center, Westside Family Healthcare provides care for everyone who walks through our doors.Our Mission: To improve the health of our communities by providing equal access to quality healthcareOur Vision: Achieve health equity for allOur Values:Compassion: Lead with compassionService: Serve with humilityExcellence: Be exceptionalEmpowerment: Empower all peopleOUR BENEFITS: Our benefit package includes medical insurance (two plans to choose from), dental insurance (through Guardian Dental), vision insurance, life insurance paid by Westside with the option to purchase more paid, short-term disability paid for by Westside, long term disability paid by the employee, a 401(k) retirement plan with a match, and supplemental insurances. We offer a generous PTO package and flexibility to provide work/life balance. Westside Family Healthcare is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity.RESPONSIBILITIESIdentify and assist patients in need of MOUD services through outreach to connect them and to keep them engaged in MOUD treatment and/or behavioral health services as appropriateCollaborate and communicate progress and barriers with the PCP, Behavioral Health and the care team as needed to create and implement individualized care plans for patientsModel competency in recovery/wellness and create a compassionate, safe environment to discuss substance abuse treatment and discuss the positive benefits of long-term recoveryAssist patients and families with enhancement or acquisition of social and life skills, positive coping mechanisms, self-care and self-help skillsRecognize early signs of crisis to connect patients and families to appropriate services, including access to Narcan and Narcan trainingCreate and implement individual and group activities that will further enhance recovery processComplete social determinants of health screenings to identify social and health related needs and connect patients to internal and/or community resourcesAdvocate for the social and emotional well-being of patients in recovery and their families within the healthcare system and the broader community.Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the electronic medical record. Document progress and treatment recommendations in EMR and the registry so that information is shared with medical providers, psychiatric consultants, and other treating providers.Build and maintain relationships in the community to stay informed about local resources and assist in developing support networks for patientsProvide education and outreach events in the community to reduce stigma associated with seeking and attending treatment for mental health and/or substance abuseAttend staff meetings, case supervision, community meetings and serve in designated committeesAttend professional development trainings required to maintain certification as Peer Recovery Support Specialist in DelawarePerform other duties as assigned. Requirements MINIMUM OBJECTIVE QUALIFICATIONSCertified as a Peer Recovery Support Specialist in the State of DelawareHigh School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (G.E.D.)Two years in recovery and/or lived experiences with mental health services and substance abuseAwareness of the importance of recovery in living with a mental illness or addictions problemOne year or lived experience providing services to a culturally diverse populationStrong written and oral communication skillsSelf-starter with the capability to work independently and collaboratively.Two years of experience using computers and Microsoft Office softwareAbility to perform duties directly in the communities as neededVerifiable good driving record and reliable transportationAbility to work evenings and weekends as neededPREFERRED OBJECTIVE QUALIFICATIONSAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or another human services area, and at least 2-5 years of relevant experiencePast peer support and group facilitation experience preferredWillingness to share personal experience to educate and inspire othersActive membership in a consumer advocacy or self-help group.Fluency in written and spoken English and spoken Spanish and/or Haitian Creole