Certified Peer Supporter- Syringe Services Program

Reports To: TBD

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt 

Work Schedule: Full Time 

Salary: Hourly

Position Summary: 

At Thrive Behavioral Health Center, we deliver industry-leading peer support for those suffering from Mental Health and/or Substance Use Disorders. We are proud to set the industry standard and continue our growth. A Certified Peer Supporter is a trained individual who has lived experience with addiction to alcohol and/or drugs who provides one-to-one strengths-based support to peers empowering them to make healthier choices on a day-to-day basis. The Certified Peer Recovery Support will assist with implementing peer support in coordination with the Harm Reduction Program. The Thrive Harm Reduction Peer Support Program connects Certified Peer Recovery Supporters with individuals participating in syringe services and other harm reduction programs located in the health departments and other community organizations. This program meets people where they are with compassion to build trust and connection while offering education and linkages to recovery support services when appropriate.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Through identifying as a person in recovery and intentionally sharing their recovery story; use this as appropriate means to assist clients, provide hope, and help in reducing harmful patterns and behaviors

• Help peers understand harm reduction as well as identify and achieve their own health and recovery needs, wants, and goals

• Teach, demonstrate, and support the acquisition and utilization of skills needed to reduce harm from substance use, such as safer use practices and how to administer naloxone

• Conduct certain health screenings (training will be provided)

• Assist in creating print or virtual materials about harm reduction and on-site programming to build awareness and maximize program impact

• Act as a program representative within the community by participating in coalitions and advisory committees

• Work with on-site team and community partners to help identify awareness and outreach opportunities

• Develop on-site activities to engage with peers receiving services to help foster community and create rapport

• Conduct outreach to peers to engage them in services

• Provide information and opportunities for individuals to direct their own recovery and advocacy processes

• Assist clients in finding resources for harm reduction, detoxification treatment, family support, and support groups

• Maintain accurate records and notes, confidentiality, and compiling timely reports

• Provide assistance with appropriate documentation in files and computer databases

• Advocate for the needs of each individual

• Establish and maintain effective communication with on-site and Thrive team to build a rapport and coordinate care

• Other duties as assigned

Requirements: 

• Identify as a person in recovery with at least one year of successful recovery

• Certified Peer Supporter in the state of Ohio

• Medium level proficiency in using social media platforms 

• Proven self-starter, excellent communicator, and team player

• Working knowledge of different pathways to recovery and social systems including evidence-based practices 

• Knowledge of area resources that may aid client in ongoing recovery (i.e. transportation, treatment providers, sober support systems)

• Understands problems analysis, decision-analysis, evaluate interventions, and contingency plans 

• Ability to be an active listener by asking questions and reflecting on what is being said 

• Proficient level of ability with computer; Microsoft Office Products 

• Effective written and oral communication skills; ability to articulate information clearly 

• Valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Previous experience working in a role providing harm reduction services 

• Previous experience participating in community outreach initiative

Education: High School Diploma or GED equivalent 

Behavioral Competencies:

• Leadership

• Empathy

• Compassion

• Positive Attitude

• Mission driven

• Accountability

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that should be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties. The position requires sitting and standing throughout the day, manual dexterity to type on a computer keyboard and operate general office equipment.