GULF COAST CENTER - JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Recovery Support Peer Specialist – Youth Services

Location: Galveston and Brazoria Counties

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Working Status: Full Time with Benefits

Summary:

Will provide peer support services to youth with substance use challenges in the school system.

The Recovery Support Peer Specialist (RSPS) provides peer support services; serves as a consumer

advocate; provides consumer information and peer support for consumers in a variety of settings.

The RSPS performs a wide range of tasks to support youth in living their own lives and directing their

own recovery and wellness process. The RSPS will model competency in recovery and wellness.

The RSPS will function as a role model to peers; exhibiting competency in personal recovery and

use of coping skills; serve as a consumer advocate, providing consumer information and peer

support for clients in a residential setting. Will assist peers in regaining independence within the

community and mastery over their own recovery process. Recovery resources such as booklets,

tapes, pamphlets and other written materials will be utilized by the RSPS in the provision of

services.

Gulf Coast Center is committed to fostering an open, inclusive, and supportive environment that

welcomes and embraces diversity in all forms. Gulf Coast Center defines diversity broadly

including, but not limited to, race, ethnicity, abilities (mental/physical), gender, gender identity,

immigrant status, language, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, veteran status, and

age. Gulf Coast Center embraces trauma sensitive and informed practices, provides suicide safer

care, and fosters a safe and compassionate environment that promotes racial and health equity.

Job Duties: (To be performed with or without accommodation as based on ADA requirements)

The Recovery Support Peer Specialist (RSPS) will be responsible for the following:

Essential Job Duties:

• Facilitate weekly peer support groups to promote the importance of recovery support

systems within the community and as part of the treatment program.

• Engage with community partners or additional community referral sources.

• Assist clients in articulating personal goals for recovery by supporting clients in identifying

and creating goals and providing support and resources to aid them in achieving those

goals.

• Assist clients in formulating a Wellness Plan that identifies the eight dimensions of

wellness: spiritual, emotional, physical, occupational, financial, environmental,

intellectual, and social that can assist the client in achieving their recovery goals.

• Provide support to the clients within the outpatient setting, identifying needs and meeting

with clients as scheduled.

• Will be responsible and accountable for the adherence to and promotion of the agency

compliance policy and will require communication with various departments to foster,

develop and continue our community partnerships as it relates to the position.

• The RSPS may work with group members to create a personal recovery plan, which is

instrumental during their recovery process.

• The RSPS will be responsible for entering all individual and group client documentation in

Smart Care within 24 hours from the date of service.

• Will be responsible and accountable for the adherence to and promotion of the agency

compliance policy and will require communication with various departments to foster,

develop and continue our community partnerships as it relates to the position.

• Treat all individuals with the utmost courtesy, decency and respect.

• Provide responsive and efficient services.

• Interact with staff, consumers, local entities and advocacy groups to provide a service that

meets local needs.

• Provide highest level of Customer Service for both internal and external customers.

• Required to report personnel leave; flex time and emergency leave to assigned supervisor.

• Strict adherence to the professional, ethical, and legal requirements set forth in GCC's

Business Code of Conduct as well as the Corporate Compliance Plan.

• Consistent adherence to the Center's Dress Code.

• Consistent adherence to Center safety guidelines and expectations.

• Will be required to travel within Brazoria and Galveston Counties.

• Out of region travel may be required to attend trainings.

• Must maintain a clear driving record and driver's license in accordance with our Driver

Policy.

• Requires current Texas Driver's License, reliable transportation and must maintain current

auto liability insurance.

Non-Essential Job Duties:

• N/A

Supervision:

• Receives direct supervision from Program Manager – Peer Services

Required Education:

• High School or GED completion

Preferred Education/Licensure/Certifications:

• Recovery Support Peer Specialist (RSPS) certification. If candidate does not hold a current

RSPS credential they may still be considered for employment provisionally, provided they

earn their RSPS within 6 months of hire for the position.

Required Licensure/Certifications:

• Certified as a Recovery Support Peer Specialist (RSPS)

• Must obtain continuing education credits for the RSPS certification

• Must have attended and successfully completed the RSPS training or have obtained the

certification within 6 months of hire date.

Required Experience:

• Must be experienced with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

• Experience with identifying and providing resources and referrals.

• Working knowledge of client/community resources and experience in developing

relationships with same.

• Knowledgeable of the natural diverse populations and cultural backgrounds, including

different approaches to recovery.

• Must have at least 2 years of personal recovery.

Preferred Experience:

• Preferred experience with electronic records system(s)

Abilities/Traits:

• General knowledge of substance use and mental health challenges.

• Demonstrate knowledge of substance use and treatment procedures.

• Knowledge and skill to teach and engage in basic problem-solving strategies to support

individual clients in self-directed recovery.

• Must be able to work independently and organize work effectively using time management

tools.

• Possess knowledge of local community resources and network with agencies to ensure

appropriate referrals as needed for client continuity of care.

• Must be able to be non-judgmental of clients, develop productive relationships with the

diverse client population; and have good interpersonal communication and teaching skills

with the diverse client population.

• Must be able to make sound decisions within the parameters of the scope of practice as a

peer support specialist.

• Knowledge of the social service network.

• Innovative thinker who is positive, proactive, and readily embraces change.

• Ability to handle clients professionally during all interactions.

• Ability to express self clearly and effectively, orally and in writing.

• Requires ability to work within a team approach.

• Requires proficiency with computer skills, programs and email.

Working Conditions:

• Work will be performed in the Office, Field and/or Remote setting(s).

• May require varied work hours depending on need of clients.

• Out of region travel may be required to attend trainings.

• May require travel to various locations within Brazoria and Galveston Counties. Requires

current Texas Driver's License, reliable transportation safe and current with all state

requirements, and liability insurance.

• Travel may be required to other peer group sites for this position. Internal trainings will be

provided on an ongoing basis. External trainings can occur approximately once per quarter.

Special Projects:

• Assist supervisor when requested to complete special projects and complete all

assignments within a time frame negotiated with the supervisor. Completion of other duties

as assigned by supervisor, as it relates to the program and position.

Job Related Physical/Mental Requirements & Environmental Conditions:

Physical:

• Ability to transport, adjust and/or move items up to 55 lbs.

• Ability to ascend/descend stairs.

• Ability to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time.

• Ability to handle objects.

• Ability to operate office equipment.

• Ability to move around within an office setting and/or other locations as needed; may

include ability to bend/twist, kneel/stoop and/or reach for items.

• Ability to push/pull, crawl/squat as it relates to PMAB requirements; may be required

to perform PMAB restraints as it relates to program requirements.

• Ability to detect and write effectively.

• Ability to hear (with or without aid).

• Ability to have visual acuity to operate a motor vehicle and observe objects within work

setting.

Mental:

• Ability to accept constructive criticism.

• Ability to maintain regular attendance.

• Ability to understand, communicate and comprehend accurate information with others

in English.

• Ability to reason and analyze effectively.

• Ability to solve practical problems as it relates to position.

• Required to pass and maintain all Center mandated trainings.

Work Site/Environmental Conditions:

• Ability to work alone.

• Ability to work closely with others.

• Ability to work long and/or irregular hours.

• May be subjected to hostile environment.

• May be subjected to high crime environment.

• Potential exposure to tobacco products.

• May be subjected to both inside and outside environmental conditions.

• Subject to standard noise levels within working environment.

• Travel by motor vehicle, van, bus or plane may be required.

Qualified individuals must be able to perform these functions with or without reasonable accommodations as based on ADA requirements.