Position Summary

The Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS) provides peer support services, based on an individualized, recovery-focused service philosophy that allows individuals the opportunity to learn to manage their own recovery and advocacy process. The PRSS will work to enhance the development of natural supports, coping skills, and other skills necessary to function as independently as possible in the community, including, but not limited to assisting re-entry into the community after incarceration, a hospitalization or other institutional setting. The PRSS serves as an advocate and provides information and peer support for consumers in emergency, outpatient or inpatient settings. The PRSS performs a wide range of tasks to assist consumers in regaining control of their lives and recovery processes. Must possess the skills to maintain a high level of professionalism, ethics and interactions with all NHS Addiction Recovery Center.

Position Accountabilities

Maintains established departmental policies, procedures, objectives, quality assurance program, safety, environmental and infection control standards.

Maintain an assigned caseload of patients. Conduct PRSS groups and/or individuals as scheduled.

Assist staff with unit safety and crisis intervention.

Engage with clients during the day and help with navigation of services and morale.

The PRSS handles some of the logistics of patient arrival and departure. This includes arranging or providing transportation for the client, managing follow-up appointments, and working with the entire ARC treatment team members.

Ensure good contact info at discharge.

Follow up with patient after discharge of services.

Establishes and maintains communication between medical staff, behavioral health, and ancillary departments for the purpose of problem solving. Utilizes appropriate lines of communication within all departments.

Help with building community supports.

Help with re-engagement of patient when the need arises.

Maintains departmental reports and records and collects statistical data for administrative and regulatory purposes. Including the reporting of CARF, SAMHSA, and ODMHAS, SAMSHA 42 CFR part 2.

Maintain timely and accurate documentation of peer encounters and data.

Responsible for liaising between clients, family members, the community and health care providers to ensure clients and families understand conditions of services.

Attends staff meetings and scheduled required training.

Consults with physician, therapist, and other members of the team for the purpose of assisting them to understand significant social, emotional, and environmental factors related to the patient’s health concerns.

Adheres to staff policies and procedures.

Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.

Minimum Education - High School Diploma or GED with minimum one (1) year participation in local or

national consumer advocacy or knowledge in the area of substance use recovery. Have the ability to

become a certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist.

Required Licensure - Must possess or be willing to obtain a Peer Recovery Support Specialist as

outlined by ODMHSAS Standards and Criteria; Valid State Driver’s License in good standing; required

vehicle insurance; must possess or be willing to obtain CPR and First Aid Certification

Preferred Experience - Two years of experience as a PRSS