Peer Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY The Peer Specialist, as an individual in sustained recovery from addiction, provides hope to patients in early recovery and helps them stay in recovery, thus reducing the likelihood of relapse. With their powerful message of hope, combined with the experience of the peer specialist who has been successful in their recovery efforts, these services extend the clinical reach of treatment and go directly into the lives of people who most need them. In early recovery especially, the peer specialist acts as mentor or coach, providing and advocating for effective recovery based services, in addition to: 1) supporting patients in obtaining services that suit that individual's recovery needs; 2) informing patients about community and natural supports and how to utilize these in the recovery process; 3) supporting patients in articulating personal goals for recovery and wellness objectives necessary to reach his/her recovery and wellness goals.. Services may be delivered in the community, correctional facilities, or office settings. RATE $21 EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS High school diploma/GED. Must be an individual in sustained recovery from addiction. Must have the ability to obtain and maintain CCAR peer certification. A valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation is required. Must be willing and able to drive the agency mobile van. LOCATION Waterbury and New Britain, CT SCHEDULE Full time EMPLOYEE BENEFITS At Wheeler, we're committed to not only supporting your career growth but also ensuring your well-being and security. Here's how we invest in you: Nurture Your Health: Comprehensive medical and prescription insurance through Centivo Comprehensive dental and vision insurance through Cigna Access to wellness programs to support your physical and mental health Secure Your Future: Enjoy peace of mind with company-paid life and AD&D insurance 403(b) Plan, with contributions from the company Fuel Your Career Growth: Pursue your educational goals with our Education Reimbursement Program Access training and development opportunities Receive a productivity incentive to recognize your hard work and dedication Get reimbursed for licensure/certification expenses Maintain Work-Life Harmony: Recharge with generous paid time off, including: 15 vacation days per year to explore and recharge 8 sick days per year for your well-being 2 personal days per year for your personal needs 2 floating holidays per year to celebrate what matters to you 9 paid company holidays to spend with loved ones Access free and confidential counseling through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Provide education on addiction recovery and facilitate linkages to these services. Provide recovery education to service recipients for every phase of recovery. Assists in professional training, outreach, and public education services as assigned. This may include professional conferences, workshops and training for behavioral health agencies. May represent the agency at community forums or serve on inter-organizational committees as directed. Documentation of clinical activities in client record as required. Assists Clinical Supervisor and clinical staff as directed. Actively identify and support linkages to community resources (communities of recovery, educational, vocational, social, cultural, spiritual resources, mutual self- help groups, professional services, etc.) that support the recovering person’s goals and interests. This will involve a collaborative effort including the recovering person, agency staff and other relevant stakeholders. Assist recovering individuals to identify their personal interests, goals, strengths and weaknesses regarding recovery. Provides services in the office, community, mobile van and correctional facilities. Responsible for safely driving and operating the Mobile Medical Unit, including all associated operations and maintenance tasks. Tasks may include but are not limited to operating and/or maintaining the unit’s slide, leveling system, propane, gas, waste and water systems. Oversee that all necessary supplies and equipment are organized and loaded on and off the mobile medical unit to ensure it is stocked for events. Supplies and equipment may include scales, vitals cart, AED, point of care testing, IT equipment, promotional items, and paperwork for registration. Continues to develop knowledge and understanding about the history, traditions, values, family systems, and artistic expression of groups served as well as uses appropriate methodological approaches, skills, and techniques that reflect an understanding of culture.