JOB DESCRIPTION
This is a part-time position with the opportunity to become full-time, contingent upon funding availability. We fully intend for this position to begin as part-time and move into full-time once we receive additional funding. The opportunity to become full-time is optional and up to your preference. This is a position that involves doing outreach, navigation, and providing peer support in-person for individuals as part of the Peer Pathways to Wellness program. Opportunities are also available in the areas of legislative advocacy, supporting our Peer Support Professional workforce and other activities. A “Peer Support Professional” (PSP) is defined as someone with lived experience of mental health, substance use, trauma, and/or co-occurring conditions who is thriving in recovery and utilizing wellness tools. They provide support to those living in or exploring recovery through similar experiences using non-clinical, strengths-based support, have successfully completed formal PSP training, and are “experientially credentialed” by their own recovery journey. The Peer Support Professional will function as a role model to peers; exhibit competency in personal recovery and use of wellness tools; and serve as a peer advocate, providing information, resources and peer support for people in various settings. The Peer Support Professional will receive supervision from the Peer Support Supervisor and additional support from its Executive Director, Recovery Education Director and the Workforce Development Liaison. This is a grant-funded position and subject to continuation of the grant award.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide education on peer support and recovery support services for individuals to learn and understand the support and services we provide
- Perform empathetic outreach in and around our partnership sites in Denver and other future locations.
- Support individuals in self-determining their recovery supports and work with individuals to assist in determining their needs.
- Provide connections to services and resources including community-based organizations, support groups, and anything else that may suit an individual’s support/recovery needs.
- Fostering positive support systems within peer support and beyond.
- Connect individuals to appropriate social service agencies and/or encourage the enrollment in benefits as needed or as they see fit [specific training will be provided].
- Identify and communicate new resources with the PSP team. Capture data on resources for reporting purposes.
- Update and confirm the availability of resources on the PSP resource spreadsheet to ensure timely sharing of supports. Determine the need for resources at each partner location.
- Utilize wellness tools to assist individuals in creating their own personal wellness and recovery plans.
- Option to co-facilitate wellness workshops with support and guidance from a CMWN peer support staff member [specific training will be provided].
- Work with Workforce Development Liaison/Lead Facilitator on the planning and coordination of supplies to be prepared for workshops.
- Work to create a supportive working environment that encourages trauma informed and culturally competent interactions that build collaboration and create a kind and respectful atmosphere at all our program sites.
- Support partnership sites and future location staff by exemplifying trauma-informed practices.
- Communicate with Peer Support Supervisor when trauma-informed practices are not utilized at partner site locations.
- Assemble and distribute wellness and hygiene bags for peer support participants.
- Provide individuals with emergency supplies as needed (e.g. bus tickets, hygiene products, first aid items).
- Communicate when supplies (bus tickets, wellness, and hygiene) need to be ordered. Keep the supply area organized/updated.
- Utilize supply tracking system.
- Maintain a working knowledge of current trends and developments in the Peer Support Professional field.
- Actively practice holistic self-care, wellness tools, and supports to stay well.
ADMINISTRATIVE/GENERAL DUTIES:
- Participate in weekly individual supervision meetings with CMWN Peer Support Supervisor
Participate in regular weekly team meetings with Peer Support Supervisor
- Participate in monthly all staff CMWN team meetings
- Participate in quarterly lunch meetings and CMWN team building activities
- Participate in daily check-ins with staff at select partner sites (ODM/The Family Room)
- Participate in any debriefs or end-of-day check-ins as needed
- Support a healthy working environment by participating in self-care practice as needed. Create and utilize a daily practice of “leaving work at work”
- Support with managing the flow of individuals wanting to receive peer support. Varies per location site
- Provide superior peer support and present as a positive role model of recovery and wellness while maintaining professional boundaries.
- Provide accurate documentation using CMWN data software for each individual supported by the end of each day
- Adhere to requirements and reporting needs of the grant
- Maintain regular and open communication with co-workers
- Other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS
Individuals should possess a minimum of a high school diploma and/or GED and have good working knowledge of the Peer Support Professional industry, mental health, trauma and/or recovery principles. It is required that the candidate have successfully completed a Peer Support Professional training with a minimum of 70 hours. The candidate must have lived experience with mental health, substance use, trauma, and/or co-occurring conditions. The candidate must have an understanding of the recovery process and possess the ability to facilitate recovery using the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Core Competencies for Peer Workers and the National Association of Peer Supporters (NAPS) National Practice Guidelines. Candidates must have knowledge and skills to engage in problem solving strategies to support individuals in self-directed recovery. Must have a valid driver’s license, a reliable vehicle, and willingness to travel within the Denver-metro area. Must be computer proficient with knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Suite, and must possess strong organizational skills and a willingness to learn new software (Asana). A background check is required for this position, however, flags that might appear on a background check do not automatically exclude a candidate.
SKILLS
- Provides superior Peer Support Professional skills
- Excellent listening skills
- Excellent ability to model recovery and holistic self-care
- Excellent communication both verbal and written
- Critical thinking
- Must be able to share recovery story skillfully
- Excellent, high-level problem solving skills
- Ability to receive constructive and strength-based feedback
- Ability to work with a variety of people
- Ability to professionally represent CMWN in alignment with our mission and core values
- Maintain regular and open communication with co-workers
- Demonstrates high level of professionalism
- Must be computer proficient with knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Suite
- Maintain a working knowledge of Peer Support Professional current trends and development
- Maintain a positive attitude while working with participants and partner site staff
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Must be able to remain in a stationary position 40% of the time; other times able to stand or move around (approximately 60% of the time). Physical requirements vary per partner site.
- It is preferred that the candidate is willing to perform some outreach while outside. Requirements vary per partner site.
- Use hands/fingers to operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.
- Carry, lift, move equipment and supplies weighing up to 30 pounds.
SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIPS
Reports to Peer Support Supervisor. Receive support from Executive Director, Recovery Education Director and Workforce Development Liaison.
WORK HOURS
15 - 25 hours per week (M-Th) for Part Time
40 hours per week (M-F) for Full Time (*Once funding is available*)
SALARY RANGE
$19.50 per hour to start depending on experience
Generous holiday pay, PTO benefits. In addition to the 14 recognized holidays CMWN observes, the office may be closed from Christmas to January 2nd.
Part-time - no health benefits are currently available for this project.
Full-time (when available) - excellent full health benefits are provided for this project.