Job Summary
Peer Support Specialist acts as a support to clients by offering support and encouragement to individuals dealing with mental health or substance use challenges. Within their scope of practice and training, and under direct supervision, provides behavioral health services. This includes but is not limited to: prevention, early intervention, case management, treatment, aftercare, and follow-up to individuals impacted by a variety of behavioral health (addiction/substance use and mental health) issues.
Works as a liaison for patients from Behavioral Health to other KIC departments for recommended KIC service: Tribal Health Clinic, Social Services, Education & Training, and Housing. Assists with external supports offered in the local area. Perform other related duties as directed by supervisor.
Job Duties & Responsibilities
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Support clients in their recovery journey by providing support, encouragement, and behavioral health services.
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Must enroll in required coursework and programs to achieve PSS-2 within 3 years of hire.
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Engage potential and ongoing clients in accessing resources and services that support them in meeting their basic needs.
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Provide basic information and support to clients on behavioral health challenges identified
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Assess for social determinants of health and provide connection to resources to support wellness and wellbeing
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Provide services to clients that support them in meeting their treatment goals within their purview and as requested by treatment team.
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Serve as a mentor/role model demonstrating recovery, effective coping skills, and self-help strategies.
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Act as a liaison for clients in the community and advocate for client’s rights and services, including accompanying them to appointments as requested
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Facilitate individual and group treatment activities, including life skill development
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Assist with crisis stabilization
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Participate in community education and events
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Work under direct supervision for all services, training and development
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Ability to recognize behavioral health challenges and provide information and support to clients.
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An understanding of the Peer Support Specialist Code of Ethics, and ability to demonstrate an understanding of professional standards, agency policies, and the law
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Ability to accurately document all contacts, engagements, and education in accordance with clinical and department standards
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Ability to work in a variety of settings including in behavioral health clinic, outside facilities and agencies, recovery housing, jails, and in outdoors
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Other related duties as assigned.
Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
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Strong understanding and sensitivity to American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) Tribal culture and lifestyle, working effectively with AI/AN populations.
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Effective oral and written communication skills with sensitivity to the lifestyles of targeted participants.
- Skills in operating personal computers using a variety of computer software.
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Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with management, coworkers, and outside contacts.
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Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and comply with all applicable federal and tribal privacy laws and KIC policy (HIPAA, HITECH, etc.).
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Ability to learn and apply program/agency operating policies and procedures.
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Ability to manage multiple priorities and tasks concurrently and meet deadlines.
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Ability to work independently as well as with teams.
KIC Competencies
Cultural Competency: To be respectful and responsive to the health beliefs, practices, and cultural and linguistic needs of KIC Tribal Members. Developing cultural competence is an evolving, dynamic process that takes time and occurs along a continuum.
Commitment: To serve Tribal Members and set a high standard for yourself in your performance; strive for results and success; convey a sense of urgency and bring issues to closure; and stay persistent despite obstacles and opposition.
Customer Service: Meet/exceed the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; identify, understand, and monitor the needs of both internal and external customers; always talk and act with customers in mind; and recognize working colleagues as customers.
Effective Communication: Ensure important information is passed to those who need to know; convey necessary information with respect, clearly and effectively orally or in writing
Responsiveness and Accountability: Demonstrate a high level of conscientiousness; hold oneself personally responsible for one's own work; and do the required fair share of work.
Working Conditions
The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and/or sit. The employee is occasionally required to walk, sit, climb, or balance. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception. The noise level in the work environment is usually average.
Conditions of Hire
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May be required to possess and maintain a valid driver's license or capable of obtaining one, as well as be insurable by KIC’s company insurance.
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KIC is a Drug-Free Workplace. All employees must adhere to KIC drug and alcohol policies and procedures to ensure a safe workplace. Employees must pass a pre-employment and subsequent random and/or for cause drug and alcohol screening to be eligible for and maintain employment.
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KIC has several positions that must comply with the P.L. 101-630 Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Protection Act (ICPA); all employment offers in the "covered" classification are conditional until KIC has received a Federal criminal background check verifying eligibility to work in these programs.
This Job Description describes the essential duties and qualifications. It is not an exhaustive statement of all the job duties, responsibilities, or qualifications; management has the exclusive right to alter or add to this job description at any time without notice. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional related duties as assigned.
Peer Support Specialist I Minimum Education & Experience Required
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High school diploma or GED
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Completion of DBH approved Intro to Peer Support 37.5 hour training within 90 days of hire (in-state travel required)
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Ability to obtain Peer Support Certification within 18 months of hire date.
- Lived experience in addiction recovery, and 1 year of continuous sobriety prior to hire.
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Proof of valid driver's license with acceptable driving record
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A combination of relevant experience, education, and training may substitute for education and experience requirements on a year-for-year basis.
Peer Support Specialist I Preferred Education & Experience
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Associates degree in a human services field
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Current certification as a Peer Support Specialist 1, 2, or P in the state of Alaska, or national PSS certification.
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1 year providing direct services in a behavioral health setting
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Experience in community clinic preferred and a strong commitment to multi-disciplinary teamwork.
Peer Support Specialist II Minimum Education & Experience Required
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High school diploma or GED
- Current certification as a Peer Support Specialist 1, 2, or P in the state of Alaska, or national PSS certification.
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Lived experience in addiction recovery, and 1 year of continuous sobriety prior to hire.
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Proof of valid driver's license with acceptable driving record
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A combination of relevant experience, education, and training may substitute for education and experience requirements on a year-for-year basis.
Peer Support Specialist II Preferred Education & Experience
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Associates degree in a human services field
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3 years providing direct services in a behavioral health setting
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Experience in community clinic preferred and a strong commitment to multi-disciplinary teamwork.
