Peer Specialist - Act, Part Time

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW: At Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington, your knowledge and service in areas such as immigrants and refugees, mental health, social work, employment and adult education, legal and financial services, health care, food assistance, shelter and housing, developmental disabilities and prison outreach can make a profound difference in the lives of many. Through more than 50 programs across the district and five surrounding counties, Catholic Charities is opening doors to help and hope. At CCADW, we continue to build an inclusive culture that celebrates a diverse workforce. We offer so much more than just a job. We offer careers. We take pride in our “promote from within” culture. We offer professional development, a comprehensive benefits package, a hybrid work model with both remote and in-office work, and a passion for building and motivating world class, high performing teams. Explore your career opportunity with Catholic Charities. Join us in Inspiring Hope and Building Futures. 

JOB SUMMARY: The Peer Specialist provides Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) services to consumer. The position supports ACT team members who provide highly individualized services in the community consistent with the principles and practices of the ACT Fidelity Model.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) services to consumers.
• Teach Activities of Daily Living (ADL) in the areas of personal hygiene, grooming and self-care, including housekeeping and cooking.
• Provide office and community based one-on-one support for ACT consumers including meeting weekly for six months to increase consumer’s ability to effectively participate in the prevention of predictable problems and management of treatment of their illnesses, both physical and mental.
• Travel teaching to and from various appointments.
• Support consumers in stressful situations.
• Teach coping skills and community integration skills.
• Assist consumers with the acquisition of Medicaid, Social Security, housing and other benefits.
• Assist consumers in establishing relationships with family members.
• Facilitate Peer Support Groups for individuals with co-occurring and substance abuse disorders.
• Maintain an acceptable productivity level, approximately 4 hours per day.
• Document all services in the electronic database by close of business following the date of service.
• Review all daily service encounters and progress notes no less than weekly.
• Provide support to ACT team members in areas of peer recovery, rehabilitation, and treatment to promote a culture which reflects the consumer’s point of view.
• Assist in the development and implementation of strengths, educational and employment opportunities as identified in the individual recovery plan.
• Foster connections with faith-based organizations, self-help groups and mutual support    
• Participate in weekly and/or situational supervisory sessions with Team Lead to review consumer health goals/progress, assess intervention techniques and further develop skill in health education.
• Attend daily morning meetings and clinical rounds as appropriate.
• Maintain adherence to all policies and procedures consistent with the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH). Adhere to the principles and practices of the ACT Fidelity Model.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or equivalency.
• Peer training program and active Peer Specialist certification from the DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH). Peer Specialist certification in another state must be approved by DBH.
• 2 years’ experience working in a social services environment.

• Driving is required. Must have valid local driver’s license and clean driving record. At least 50% of services are provided in the community and 50% are face-to-face.

SKILLS and COMPETENCIES:

• Oral, written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills,Problem solving skills.
• Skills in co-occurring disorders treatment.