Youth Peer Support Specialist

Youth Recovery Communities Youth Recovery Leader

JOB SUMMARY:

The Youth Recovery Leader works to support and increase the prevalence of long-term recovery from substance abuse disorders of youth between the ages of 13-21 years by mobilizing community organizations who will utilize a Peer Recovery community Leader workforce. The community-based youth recovery program will establish linkages between other community based organizations and recovery support organizations, substance use disorder treatment programs, and other sources of support within the community who will support youth efforts to initiate and sustain their recovery.

This position will be based primarily in Ellis County, with responsibilities extending to Hill and Johnson Counties to ensure program coordination and service delivery across the full service region.

Salary Range 42,000-45,000 annually.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provide a wide variety of non-clinical services and supports that help individuals initiate and sustain their recovery using the following types of recovery supports: Emotional, Instrumental and Affiliation
• Plan and conduct social events and activities such as alcohol and drug free dances, organized sports, outdoor activities, community projects, dinners etc.
• Ensure that upon admission client profile, open case, screening, case management assessment and recovery support service plan are entered into CMBHS records system
• Provide outreach and engagement strategies to increase participation in, and provide access to recovery support services for diverse populations
• Engage and support family members
• Establish linkages with community-based organizations, recovery support organizations, substance use disorder treatment providers, and other sources of support within the community to assist in sustaining individuals' recovery
• Assist in the process of contacting resources, scheduling appointments, arranging transportation etc.
• Conduct Recovery support groups that are designed to provide participants with positive emotional support to assist with dealing with daily and personal life issues
• Conduct structured activities based on the needs of the participants
• Document and report all specified recovery activities, services and outcomes as directed by HHSC statement of work and program procedures.
• Assist in the development and implementation of four recovery community service projects within the project year in which participants in recovery, their family members and supportive allies are engaged in, plan and complete projects to establish effective relationships in the community
• Create a positive working environment for all team members
• Ensure physical participant records are maintained with documents that require participant, staff or volunteer signature for review by HHSC staff
• Maintain recovery support services resource directory with current information to include location, contact information, services offered, days and hours of operation and eligibility criteria
• Establish Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with community and social service agencies serving or having interest in recovery support services.
• Schedule and conduct presentations of Youth Recovery Community services to gain community buy-in and support
• Develop and implement an active, self-governing Peer Leadership Advisory Council in which Participants in Recovery, their family members, and supportive allies are involved with program design and evaluation
• Be knowledgeable of the “Peer Recovery Model” (Peer-Based Addiction Recovery Support: History, Theory, Practice, and Scientific Evaluation known as the “Peer Recovery Model” by White, 2009.)
• Be knowledgeable of The Seven Recovery Oriented Values and Principles as listed in the YRC program Statement of Work
• Perform additional duties as assigned and consistent with the exempt functions as assigned in this job description

Schedule: Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 6:00pm; Flexibility to work at least one evening per week and one Saturday per month and be available for clients by phone for emergencies with a rotating on-call evening and weekend phone schedule.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POSITION:

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of participants, professionals and the general public
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedural manuals
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form
• Proficient in use of Google platform operating systems and Microsoft Office
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables
• Demonstrate mission of service to our participants
• Provide positive, respectful communication with both staff and clients
• Demonstrate self-motivation and perseverance to achieve goals
• Role model appropriate, professional behaviors including appropriate client boundaries
• Work effectively as part of a team, helping to set up others for success
• Ability to establish empathy with an individual
• Ability to work with diverse populations and cultural backgrounds
• Comfortable to work independently in community settings
• Ability to focus on and reinforce positive strengths and behaviors
• High level of energy and commitment
• Acceptance of extremely flexible working hours
• Open attitude towards pathways to Recovery
• Stable personal program of recovery

Education & Experience:

• H. S. Diploma or equivalent
• Experience working with persons in recovery
• Experience facilitating groups

Other Preferences & Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license and proof of current liability insurance.
• Dependable transportation and phone required.
• Must be able to lift and carry 50lbs.
• Flexibility to work some evenings, weekends, and participate in a rotating on-call schedule.
• Lived experience in recovery with a minimum of five (5) consecutive years of sustained recovery from substance use or co-occurring challenges.
• Age range of approximately 25-35 years old preferred to align with program demographics and mentorship goals.
• Prior experience working within or in collaboration with correctional systems and/or treatment systems strongly preferred.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $42,000.00 - $46,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• sustained recovery from substance use : 5 years (Required)

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Midlothian, TX 76065