WMARI is thrilled to announce we are once again hiring staff for The HILLS Recovery Center! We will accept applications until the position is filled. Please submit a letter of interest and your resume to our Administrative Coordinator Nikkie at Nikkie@wmari.org. For more information about WMARI, visit our website www.wmari.org.
Job Description: Peer Support Specialist (PSS) at The HILLS Recovery Center
*Please include a few sentences, as a cover letter, with your resume. We would like to hear in your words why you are interested in our position. If you don’t have a resume, no worries! We welcome you to email us a short description of your skills and experience instead.
We are seeking a compassionate individual to fill the role of a part-time Peer Support Specialist (PSS). A PSS is a person who has been successful in their recovery process and who can support others experiencing similar situations. Through shared understanding, respect, and mutual empowerment, and learned techniques PSSs help people become, and stay, engaged in the recovery process, reducing the likelihood of relapse. PSSs are not clinical providers.
To ensure success as a PSS, you must be able to exhibit empathy and possess exceptional interpersonal communication skills. A top-notch PSS should be able to easily identify warning signs in participants and provide effective interventions and emotional support.
In this role, you will be required to provide one-on-one support for individuals and facilitate group activities/meetings. You will receive training to meet these needs.
The PSS will primarily be located at The HILLS but will also be required to provide support in some other settings, such as the hospital emergency department, addiction medicine facilities, primary care, jails, treatment facilities, churches, and schools.
Peer Support Specialist (PSS) Responsibilities:
- Greeting, conversing, and connecting with every visitor to the recovery center.
- Answering phone calls and returning messages.
- Responding to recovery needs in the emergency department, healthcare settings, and jails.
- Meeting with participants regularly to offer one-on-one support, connection to treatment, and recovery coaching. This includes providing and managing referrals to recovery support services. In addition, you will help to develop recovery plans and coping methods. Demonstrating the ability to maintain appropriate and professional boundaries with participants.
- Conducting support groups, recovery activities/events, and harm reduction groups.
- Liaising with family members and medical professionals regularly, as permitted by the participant.
- Providing training and distributing Naloxone.
- Completing documentation in a timely manner.
- Attending all required trainings (recovery coaching, certified intentional peer support, motivational interviewing, ACEs and resilience, etc.)
- Attending regional and statewide conferences.
- Helping to keep the recovery center organized and presentable.
- Attending regular supervision.
- Perform other duties, as needed.
PSS Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED.
- Valid Driver’s License and reliable transportation within the Oxford Hills area (Some travel outside of the immediate community may be required)
- CIPSS or NCPS certification and/or Recovery Coaching certification within 6 months of hire.
- Lived experience with substance use disorder and identifying as being in recovery.
- Proficient interpersonal and verbal communication skills. Demonstrated compassion.
- Experience using various technology. Efficient using computers, communication via email, and basic data entry.
- Open-minded and non-judgmental
- Ability to be available for a flexible schedule. Hours/days for this position may require work in the evenings and some weekends.
PSS Preferred Experience
- Completed CCAR Recovery Coach Training
- One year providing peer support.
- One year of continuous personal recovery.
- Good knowledge of recovery resources such as the 12-step programs, treatment programs, community support groups, and harm reduction.
Additional Information: At this time, the PSS is a temporary position funded through the end of November 2024. WMARI intends to seek additional funding to secure a full-time position, but cannot guarantee employment past November 30, 2024.
Job Types: Part-time, Temporary
Pay: $20.00 per hour
Expected hours: 30 – 40 per week
Schedule:
- Evenings as needed
- Weekends as needed
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Shift availability:
- Day Shift (Required)
- Night Shift (Required)
Work Location: In person