Peer Support Specialist

Primary Function

Peer Support Specialists (PSS) are trained individuals who use their own lived experience of mental health or substance use challenges and their recovery journey to support others facing similar issues. The primary function of the PSS is to offer emotional, social, and practical support to individuals navigating recovery, helping them feel less alone and more empowered. PSS will provide peer support recovery services to individuals living with psychiatric and/or substance use challenges. Peer support recovery services are provided at a variety of locations, including at CIHA and in the community. By drawing on their own experience in recovery, the PSS fosters connection, instills hope, and supports clients in developing self-directed recovery paths. PSS are essential in helping clients feel seen, heard, and understood as they navigate their mental wellness journey. PSS provide input into programming for multiple departments within Analenisgi. 

Job Duties

Direct Service Functions

• Provide direct peer support services on an individual and group basis at home and in the community.

• Facilitate small groups and classes in the Recovery Center.

• Abide by the NC Certified Peer Support Specialist Code of Ethics. 

• Document all treatment and clinically significant events for the medical record in the manner prescribed by CIHA policies and procedures.

• Follow all applicable privacy/confidentiality policies, procedures, and practices for maintenance and release of patient records and clinical information, including EBCI, CIHA, IHS, DHHS, HIPAA, JCAHO, 42 CFR, or other licensing bodies.

• Attend clinical staffing as an integral component of a treatment team, facilitating the discussion of patient data and formulating changes to the treatment plan.

• Provide care coordination and case management services as needed for clients.

• Provide direct assistance as needed for clients accessing recovery programs and assist individuals in developing recovery management plans.

• Works as part of a team with the Adult Services Manager, Medication Assisted Treatment Manager, and the Recovery Services Supervisor to plan and conduct recovery support activities in the community.

• Provide written, telephonic, and face-to-face consultation services to various persons and organizations that affect clients, including physicians, hospitals, medical care providers, law enforcement officers, social services community agencies, schools, courts, and probation officers. 

• Provide regular support interventions via office, telephone, and in the community to further engage clients in services

• Make effective use of clinical supervision and consultation.

• Participate in Galvgwodiyu and assigned learning circles as assigned. 

• Participate in community planning and implementation of programs to help resolve issues such as improving coordination of services or developing programs to serve the community.

• Obtain continuing education as needed through in-service training and approved training seminars and workshops. 

• Provide culturally appropriate approaches in engagement with the community.

• Direct service productivity standards may be required for this position.

• Participate in extensive community outreach to individuals needing extra support. 

• Community outreach may consist of any or all of the following:

• Meeting a person at their home or the last known location of where they are residing

• Providing transportation to clients

• Searching areas in the community for people who are disengaged and homeless.

• Bringing services to a client outside their workplace.

• Engaging a client’s designated support team.

• Participating in a client’s care at other community organizations.  

• Maintain a caseload of between 15-35 people at any given time. Providing timely services based on each person’s level of need. 

Administrative Functions

• Work closely with the Recovery Services Supervisor to develop and manage the Recovery Center programming and class schedule.

• Collect data and provide regular reports for the department, executive management, and CIHA board use.

• Provide telephone support, reception, and basic office support in support of the Recovery Center.

• Represent CIHA in the community by serving in various meetings and workgroups as directed.

• Monitor outcomes and make adjustments as needed to maximize positive outcomes for individuals.

• Ensure use of evidence-based and emerging best practices in all recovery services.

• Ensure Cherokee Culture is recognized and affirmed in recovery services.

• Ensure appropriate use of cultural and alternative healing practices. 

• Assist individuals being served to access:

• 12-step groups

• Community and faith-based services

• GED and educational programs 

• Family support groups and programs

• Promptly review and respond to any incidents or complaints according to CIHA policy.

• Maintain and possess up-to-date outreach materials. (Business cards, pamphlets, group schedules, program information, and Narcan kits) 

   

Education/Experience

Required:

• High school diploma or GED: and

  • Lived experience with behavioral health and/or substance use; and

  • Eighteen months sustained recovery; and

  • Must possess a valid driver’s license

  • NC Peer Support Specialist certification or be willing to begin certification process within 60 days of hire.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Specific experience working with the Native American population

• Experience in Recovery Services

• Experience working with Peer Support services 

• WRAP Facilitators certification;

Job Knowledge

• Ability to share your personal recovery story and lived experience appropriately and respectfully. 

• Ability to effectively utilize an electronic medical record and other software such as Microsoft Office programs, and email.

• Considerable originality and initiative are required in the daily performance of tasks.

• Considerable knowledge of the methods and principles of recovery and person-centered thinking. 

• Basic knowledge of resources in the community.

• Skill in establishing rapport and appropriate respectful relationships with clients and families. 

• Ability to determine appropriate boundaries with clients and maintain professional ethics in all situations.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues of other professional disciplines, and a variety of governmental and private resources and organizations in the community.

• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely and to plan and execute work effectively.

• Ability to ascertain the potential lethality of a situation and respond and refer accordingly.

• Create and maintain a community outreach schedule.

• Ability to collect and report data in an organized manner

• Organization and time management skills are a must.

• Willingness to learn more about Cherokee culture and history 

Complexity of Duties

This position is responsible for assisting in maximizing the available resources to meet the behavioral health needs of the community. Must have the ability to interpret policy, laws, and regulations to make decisions. Duties require the application of judgment and problem-solving skills in order to be effective. 

Supervision Received

Works under the direct guidance of the Recovery Services Supervisor, where responsibilities and assignments are often broadly defined. Position must demonstrate considerable initiative and ability to work independently. Position must communicate effectively with supervisor/manager to ensure alignment with organizational goals, mission, vision, and values. 

Responsibility for Accuracy

Failure to provide adequate services or to properly manage and direct activities could result in poor client outcomes, delays in patient treatment, and negative patient and community relations. Ineffective health planning could have adverse effects on the health status of the community by limiting access to necessary resources

Contacts with Others

Interacts frequently with coworkers, hospital staff, patients, and other health professionals for the purpose of exchanging information, obtaining, or providing assistance. Serves on various local, community, and health committees, boards, and advisory councils, as appropriate. Tact, courtesy, and professional conduct are required to maintain positive working relationships. Utmost sensitivity and confidentiality are required when dealing with patients and families.

Confidential Data

The employee complies with EBCI policy on confidentiality of patient records, Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority Confidentiality policy, and HIPAA requirements. Violations of confidentiality regulations may result in disciplinary action and other actions as allowed by federal regulations. 

Mental/Visual/Physical

Job duties can be mentally and emotionally stressful at times, given the complexity of the duties. Physical activities require the ability to be mobile, sit, reach, bend, and be in front of groups and deliver training for extended periods.   Some physical exertion and stamina are required, such as those required to transport training materials or to travel. 

• Position requires: stand and walk (½ time) sit (½ time)

Environment

The employee works in a hospital or outpatient clinical environment and is required to work at other offices and locations. The work environment involves moderate risks of exposure to infectious disease, radiation, electrical hazards, and irritant chemical and explosive gases. Employees must strictly adhere to OSHA guidelines and protocol for maintaining sterile conditions.

Travel is required.  Infrequent overnight travel may be required for meetings or to attend training. 

Customer Service

Consistently demonstrates superior customer service skills to patients/customers by demonstrating characteristics that align with CIHA’s guiding principles and core values. Ensure excellent customer service is provided to all patients/customers by seeking out opportunities to be of service