Peer Recovery Support Specialist/Wellness Coach

Summary of Responsibilities:

The Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS) fulfills a unique role in the support and recovery from mental illness and substance abuse disorders. A PRSS is a person in recovery from a mental illness and/or substance abuse disorder, who has been trained to work with others on his/her individual road to recovery. This training incorporates the PRSS’s recovery experience as a means of inspiring hope in those they serve, as well as providing a positive role model to others. A PRSS works in collaboration with the people we serve as well as clinical staff in the best interests of the individual's recovery process. There are many positive roles that a PRSS can fulfill in an organization based on their individual skills, experience, education, and desires. Peer Recovery Support Specialists offer the advantage of lived experience from serious mental illness and/or substance abuse. They know the journey to recovery is real and attainable, because they have traveled the path. This position will also require ODMHSAS Wellness Coach Certification to help Tribal Elders, Tribal members and the surrounding community members with the 8 dimensions of Wellness. This individual will work with medical, dental, behavioral health and diabetes patients on improving overall health and wellness.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• The Peer support Specialist will use their personal experiences to develop meaningful and trusting relationships with clients, acting as a mentor. the Peer Support Specialist provides patients an example of what they can strive for in their recovery.
• The Peer Support Specialist works to build a community of both patients and staff that is supportive and conducive to patient growth and recovery. They assist in the creation and implementation of social activities and help create a positive environment for everyone.
• Peer Support Specialists link up with various community organizations and resources to provide additional support for patients, particularly as they transition from recovery back into the general community. This can include continued healthcare, housing, job assistance, and additional treatment services as well as support in the task of finding or re-integrating with friends, family, and outside communities.
• In order to support the facility, the Peer Support Specialist handles some of the logistics of patient arrival and departure. This includes arranging or providing transportation for the patient, managing follow-up appointments, and working with facility administrators and discharge staff members.
• Provide general health and behavioral health education.
• Responsible for liaising between clients, families, the community and health care providers to ensure clients and families understand conditions and treatment.
• Assist with clinic services, community health promotion and disease prevention events in presenting health education to individuals and community groups.
• Responsible for disbursement and monitoring of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals to clients.
• Provide general health and wellness guidance to clients, patients, and individuals utilizing the Wellness Center
• Outreach opportunities to teams utilizing the Iowa Tribe Ball fields
• Submit monthly reports to Director of Behavioral Health.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• GED or High School Diploma
• Bachelors level degree preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Have demonstrated recovery from a mental illness, substance use disorder or both.
• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Be willing to self-disclose about personal recovery journey.
• Frequent significant decision and problem-solving abilities.
• Possess good moral character.
• Ability to work as a team member collaborating with parents and community resources.
• Ability to respond appropriately to an emergency or a crisis situation.
• Frequent driving transportation of patients to clinic and behavioral health appointments.
• Regular kneeling, bending and sitting on the floor to attend to child's needs.
• Occasional lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Pass an examination and successfully share your recovery story based on standards promulgated by ODMHSAS after completing training.

Certifications:

• Valid Driver’s License and Insurance.
• CPR/First Aid/AED certification within 6 months of employment.

Conditions of Employment:

The Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma operates a drug-free workplace.

• Must submit to and pass applicable drug test, TB test, and Physical.
• Must pass background investigations for suitability of character identified in accordance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act.
• Must have a valid Oklahoma driver’s license
• Hepatitis A&B, Tdap, MMR and Varicella vaccinations, proof of previous vaccinations or proof of positive titer.