POSITION DESCRIPTION
Peer Support Specialist

INFORMATION
Department: Reentry & Recovery

Type of Position: Non-Exempt
Salary Grade(s): 8/9 ($26.97 - $38.69 DOE)
Employment Category: Regular, Full-Time

PURPOSE
The Peer Support Specialist is responsible for providing life and recovery coaching, mentorship, guidance, and support for participants. This position will use a wrap-around service approach to provide professional level supportive services. The Peer Support Specialist will participate in and assist in facilitating cultural activities and other events for program participants and assist teachers and guests in establishing space and preparing participants for activities.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
Reports To: Recovery Coordinator Supervises: N/A
Liaison To: N/A

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Responsible for reading, understanding, and explaining policies related to available services
• Assist peers in completing all necessary paperwork, follow-up, and assist peers in acquiring necessary documents
• Work with peers in setting goals and objectives for successful recovery
• Act as a role model for people living in recovery from substance use disorders and/or those returning to the community after incarceration
• Share personal experiences of recovery to build a sense of hope in the recovery and reentry process
• Assist in the development of a culture of recovery and peer support by engaging in and supporting peer relationships
• Engage appropriately with peers to support to identify strengths, and community resources
• Abide by the guidelines established by the State of Alaska and Tlingit & Haida Reentry & Recovery department to deliver certified peer support specialist services
• Participate in ongoing peer leadership education and training opportunities
• Work closely with Recovery Program Coordinator to develop, implement, and evaluate preventative measures, provide input and feedback to develop peer support programming
• Record and track significant events for participants such as recovery milestones, difficult anniversaries, and assist with support or celebration
• Ensure participants’ right to privacy and appropriate confidentiality at all times
• Other duties as assigned

DECISION MAKING AUTHORITY
Spending Authority: N/A Other Authority: N/A

NECESSARY SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
• Knowledge of local service agencies and community resources
• Mastery of basic office procedures and practices
• Knowledge of interviewing techniques
• Ability to evaluate and recommend changes in participants’ reentry/recovery plans
• Excellent customer service skills
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to practice tact, courtesy, and discretion
• Experience working with Alaska Native/American Indian (AN/AI) clientele and understand the cultural needs
• Able to work with individuals of various cultures, customs, and backgrounds

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education, experience, skills)
• Associates degree in related field
• 2 years’ experience as a Caseworker, Technician, or related field
• Valid driver’s license
• Must have or be able to obtain a Peer Support Certificate from the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, Behavioral Health Division

Substitution:
• High School Diploma/GED
• 4 years’ experience in related experience

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (education, experience, skills)
• Experience specifically in working with clients who have experienced incarceration, reentry, and/or recovery

UNUSUAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OR RESTRICTIONS
The majority of work is performed in a professional office setting and is generally sedentary, requiring routine walking, standing, bending, and carrying of items weighing less than 40 lbs. Travel on small aircraft or ferry may be required.

CONDITIONS OF HIRE:
• All employment at Tlingit & Haida is “at will”. This means that the employee or Tlingit & Haida may terminate employment at any time and for any reason. Unless specified in writing, no term of employment is expressed or implied for this position.
• Tlingit & Haida is a no tolerance workplace. All regular employees may be required to pass a pre- employment and subsequent random drug and alcohol screening to be eligible for and maintain employment.
• Tlingit & Haida requires a criminal background check be conducted on all employees. All employment offers are conditional until federal criminal background check results verify your eligibility to work for Tlingit & Haida.