Peer Specialist

General Purpose

The Peer Specialist provides hope and encouragement to participants in the various Meta House Programs. The Peer Specialist will act as a peer mentor and model to women in recovery to inspire hope, share life experiences and lessons learned as a person in recovery.

Essential Functions of the Job

· Assist Meta House clients to make healthy decisions that directly affect their own lives; encourage individuals to take responsibility for themselves and others; assure women/mothers that they will be treated with respect and dignity; and foster the understanding that the families are valued and do have skills and strengths

· Model/mentor recovery process and demonstrate coping skills

· Safe, timely, organized client transport

· Accompany clients to appropriate community appointments and advocate as needed

· Communication with coworkers and collaborative staff via phone and email

· Document all participant contact as required

· Uphold, understand, and review all policies, procedures as outlined by Employee Handbook

· Engage in, attend, and complete all required supervision, staff meetings, training, in-service, and health regulations deemed necessary by policies and regulations

· Obtain Certification as a Peer Specialist

Marginal Functions of the Job

· Giving tours

· Shopping/medication pick-up for clients

· Other duties as may be periodically or permanently assigned

Qualifications and Requirements

· High school diploma or equivalent preferred

· Driver’s license, safe driving record, safe vehicle (smoke free) and proof of vehicle insurance

· A self­-identified current or former user of AODA, mental health or co­occurring services who can relate to others who are now using those services

· Able to work independently and as a member of a team

· Able to work evenings and weekends

· Have good knowledge of city’s public transit system

Other Skills Required

· Ability to work effectively with people

· Good written and verbal skills

· Good organizational skills and ability to meet specified deadlines

· Attention to detail

· Able to work in a multi-cultural setting

· Computer skills including proficiency in Word, Excel, and other applications

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

· Able to negotiate the indoors including stairs

· Vision correctable to DOT requirements

· Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time

· Able to hear clients, understand, and talk clearly to people over the phone and speak to them in person

· Able to read material such as the mail and the computer screen

· Able to travel between facilities

· Able to negotiate stairs

· Must lift up to 25 pounds to assist in moving clients’ belongings

· Tolerate heat and cold driving conditions

· Exposure to gasoline when fueling vehicle