Peer Support Specialist

Overview

POSITION TITLE:

Peer Support Specialist.

LOCATION:

London, KY. STATUS:
Full-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt. PROGRAM:
Addiction Services.

REPORTS TO:

Clinical Coordinator.

INTRODUCTION:
Volunteers of America Mid-States (VOA) is a non-profit organization spanning four states that creates positive change in the lives of individuals and communities through a ministry of service. We provide housing for families, veterans, and low-income seniors. We provide care and support for individuals with developmental disabilities, healing accountability that brings people together with restorative justice, and free HIV testing and education.

When Volunteers of America was founded in 1896, "volunteer" referred to anyone who served others as a vocation through a commitment to a mission. Today, we are still staffed by paid, mission-driven professionals working to create positive change and build thriving communities. Flexibility, teamwork, and fun are some of the reasons our employees are proud to work at VOA! We offer a comprehensive benefits package to employees who meet eligibility requirements.

Volunteers of America Mid-States offers a rich and robust benefits package that supports a healthy work-life balance, including:

• Health and Wellness:
  Employee Assistance Plans (EAP), Health and Wellness Program, Medical Coverage, Dental Coverage, Vision Coverage, Flexible Spending Account, Health Spending Account, Short Term Disability, Met Life Legal Plans
• Financial Wellbeing:
  Competitive Compensation Packages, Life Insurance (company paid), 403b retirement plan with company fund matching, Employee discounts
• Loan forgiveness options through federal programs (National Health Corp & Public Service Loan Forgiveness)
• All company paid benefits and paid time off effective day one

• Commitment Committee, Justice Committee, Integrity Committee, Compassion Committee, Retention Committee
• VOA LEAD Program - Leadership Development Program
• VOA University - Staff Development
• VOA Academy - Clinical Training and Development

The Community Outreach Coordinator/Peer Support is responsible for all outreach to referral sources in our communities that include, but are not limited to, the judicial system, corrections department, hospital and healthcare providers, and other community partners. Additionally, the Peer Support Specialist/Outreach Coordinator will assist with recruitment of FRC participants by attending home court dates and discussing program, discuss treatment options with potential new participants and assist with scheduling assessments as needed and securing treatment bed as applicable.

They will provide ongoing support to FRC clients throughout each phase of the program through individual and group peer support sessions, attend interdisciplinary team meetings and provide updates on client progress to the treatment team. The Peer Support Specialist/Outreach Coordinator will also attend community outreach, educational sessions, training and in-services to provide relevant information regarding FRC and other programs as needed.

High School Graduate or GED; KY Certified peer support specialist preferred;
Valid KY Driver’s License and current automobile insurance required. Preferred applicants with 2 years of demonstrated, successful, sustained recovery.

• Follow through intake procedures.
• Maintain regular/weekly contact with referral sources including but not limited to regional and local DCBS, probation and parole, hospitals, and detox centers. This includes checking for possible new referrals and updating on bed census at Freedom House.
• Actively identify and support linkages to community resources (communities of recovery, educational, vocational, social, cultural, spiritual resources, mutual self-help groups, professional services, etc.).
• Provide vision-driven hope and encouragement for opportunities at varying levels of involvement in community-based activities (e.g., work, school, relationships, physical activity, self-directed hobbies, etc.).
• Develop relationships with community groups/agencies in partnership with others in the…