Peer Support Specialist

Hourly Rate $22.70 to $26.96 DOE/Q OUR STORYSince 1965, MAAC has been maximizing self-sufficiency with families and individuals through high-quality programs and advocacy in our communities. MAAC employs dedicated staff who provide life-changing services to thousands of individuals annually through programs in fivecore focus areas: Education, Economic Development, Health & Wellbeing, Housing, and Advocacy & Leadership Development. Through a wide variety of programs, MAAC has grown to become one of the largest nonprofit social service organizations in the community. Learn more about the great things happening with MAAC at http://www.maacproject.org/DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONMAAC Recovery Homes are comprehensive County funded residential alcohol and drug treatment programs. MAAC currently serves a diverse group of men and women in the San Diego and South Bay area. These programs ensure men and women are provided an array of services to ensure a successful transition back into their communities. The length of treatment is three to four months and clients are linked to community providers to address medical, mental health needs, along with Medically Assisted Treatment services.DEFINITIONPeer Support Specialist will have experience or personal knowledge of behavioral health issues and services. The Peer Support Specialist provides culturally competent and trauma informed services that promote recovery, engagement, socialization, self-sufficiency, self-advocacy, development of natural supports, and identification of strengths. The Peer Support Specialist will be responsible for providing relapse prevention services, coaching, supporting links to community resources, or education documented in an individualized treatment plan.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESThe duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.Individual Treatment Responsibilities:

Provides support by drawing on own experiences and professional skills to build a trusting relationship with participants. Serves as a mentor and role-model to participants.

Provides consultation to treatment team members from a professional perspective support professional effectiveness and empower the participants we serve.

Advocate for participant needs and participates in treatment planning. Research and share information about community resources that will assist participants both during and after treatment. Maintains confidentiality of all participants.

Provides input to develop and improve program services.

Demonstrates excellent listening and communication skills and a supportive attitude towards participants and treatment team members.

Work in collaboration with treatment team members to identify other services needed that may include, but are not limited to assistance with housing, benefits, education, employment, transportation, childcare, and medical needs.

Assist treatment team members and participants in developing independent living skills to promote independence and self-sufficiency. Peer Support Specialist will maintain MAAC and San Diego County Documentation standards.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/CERTIFICATION

High school diploma or GED

Valid California Driver’s License,

Acceptable Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) at time or hire and maintained throughout employment

Bilingual (English / Spanish) speaking, reading, and writing preferred

AND

Valid CPR, First Aid, Peer Specialist Certification

VALUE-BASED BEHAVIORSListens attentively to others. Asks clarifying questions to gain a better understanding of the other person’s views and underlying assumptions Works effectively in a team environment and actively participates in joint problem solving; willingly cooperates with co-workers Identifies and takes advantage of opportunities for personal and professional development Attends work consistently and punctually. Arrives to meetings prepared and on time; honors work commitments; follows through on what was agreed upon; meets deadlines Honors the private and confidential matters of co-workers. Protects the proprietary information of MAAC systems Follows rules, regulations, and policies; positively contributes to implementing changes Deals with issues directly, in a respectful and timely manner. Focuses on resolving the issue while not criticizing the person. Follows rules, regulations, and policies; positively contributes to implementing changesHEALTH STATUSMust have a physical examination, TB clearance and a drug screen by a doctor/clinic designated by MAAC as well as immunization records for influenza, pertussis and measles as required by state and federal regulations prior to the first day of employment.PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDSThe physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Physical DemandsWhile performing the duties of this class, an employee is regularly required to stand, walk and sit, talk or hear both in person and by telephone, uses hands to finger, handle or feel objects or controls, reach with hands and arms. An employee also is regularly required to stoop, kneel, bend, crouch or crawl, climb or balance and lift up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, color vision and the ability to adjust focus.Mental DemandsWhile performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret information; analyze and solve problems; observe and interpret people and situations; use basic math; learn and apply new information or skills; work under intensive deadlines and interact with MAAC management, administrators, staff, teachers, parents, family members, children and others encountered in the course of work.BACKGROUND CLEARANCEAll positions are subject to a background/education check, DMV check, NSOR, exclusion and debarment checks prior to hire and periodically throughout employment as required by various funding sources.Note: California Start law requires background criminal checks on anyone who works in a licensed childcare facility who is not a client. Must have or obtain a current criminal background check clearance, signed criminal record statement, and signed Acknowledgement to Report Child Abuse form prior to the first day of employment.TRANSPORTATIONMust have and maintain a valid California Driver’s License, daily use of a personal, insured vehicle, and have and maintain a motor vehicle driving record acceptable to MAAC’s insurance carrier. Incumbents will be enrolled in the California DMV Pull Program.Powered by JazzHR