Peer Support Specialist - Certified at Volunteers Of America, Utah – Salt Lake City, Utah

Schedule: Full Time

Benefits

• Low-cost medical, dental, and vision coverage. Health savings account. 403b retirement plan with employer match (50% match up to 3%).
• Employee Assistance Program for all employees
• 33 paid days off: 11 observed paid holidays, 12 sick days, and 10 vacation days to start. Vacation increases to 12 days after 1 year, 15 days after 2 years, and more at 5 and 9 years of service
  • Sick and vacation time accrue hourly per pay period
• $50,000 in employer-paid life insurance; additional coverage available
• Employer contribution to your Health Savings Account (paid quarterly)
• Employee Referral Program including cash bonuses and paid time off

About

Volunteers of America, Utah is an affiliate of a national, nonprofit, faith-based organization that has served communities across the United States for more than 125 years. Volunteers of America, Utah’s mission is to provide community-supported paths for those who are vulnerable to improve their lives and increase their self-reliance. Our programs serve people experiencing challenges related to mental health, substance use, and homelessness. We encourage all who are passionate about making a difference, including individuals with lived experience, to apply.

The PREP Team (Prevention and Recovery from Early Psychosis) provides early intervention support for youth and young adults age 14-26 who are experiencing their first episode of psychosis or found to be at clinical high risk for psychosis. Early intervention is the gold standard to treat psychosis symptoms, reduce need for hospitalization, and help young people at risk for psychosis stay on track to meet life goals.

PREP clients receive two years of no-cost, community-based, outpatient care. Services include: case management, medication management, therapy, family education/support, occupational therapy, peer support services, and employment or education support.

Position Summary:

Under the direct supervision of the Program Manager, the Certified Peer Support will use a combination of their training and life experiences to provide client-centered, recovery-oriented services to youth and young adults ages 14-26 who meet criteria for the PREP program. Duties will include working in the community and in client homes, meeting with clients 1:1 and facilitating groups, collaborating with parents and community partners, and working closely with colleagues as part of an interdisciplinary team. The PREP Peer Support Specialist is primarily responsible for 1) Assisting clients in working towards stability and independence; 2) Providing assistance in accessing resources to help clients meet their mental health and other various needs; and 3) Providing expertise about the recovery process and symptom management.

Essential Duties:

• Provide crisis intervention as necessary
• Meet with clients 1:1 and in groups to support progress toward client goals
• Work closely with other team members to coordinate assignments within scope of responsibility
• Develop and maintain professional working relationships with community partners, co-workers, clients, and other VOA staff
• Track and submit all paperwork in a timely manner
• Maintain professional boundaries and make decisions within the assigned scope of responsibility
• Attend weekly management meetings, clinical staffings, and individual/group meetings with clients
• Attend and present community education events and presentations for community partners
• Attend work as scheduled and arrive at the designated time. Work must be performed on-site due to the need to provide direct client care.

Secondary Duties:

• Maintain and enhance professional skills and knowledge through attending conferences/ workshops/courses and reading professional materials that are relevant to job requirements and approved by the Program Manager
• Demonstrate familiarity with and adherence to Utah laws regarding confidentiality and mandatory reporting requirements.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of assigned office space
• Link client with program, agency and community services for assistance as appropriate
• Perform other functions as necessary or assigned

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

High school diploma or equivalent preferred, certification in Utah as a Peer Support Specialist is required and work experience with adults with severe and persistent mental illness and substance use disorders or any combination of education, experience, and training which provides the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge/experience working with at-risk populations is preferred.
• Knowledge/experience collaborating with community resources.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to build rapport with clients and engage them in other program services.
• Ability to build and foster relationships with partner agencies.
• Ability to maintain a calm demeanor amidst potentially high distress population.
• Computer literate with proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Ability to uphold professional boundaries, confidentiality regulations, agency policies and procedures, and interact in a professional manner with a diverse workforce, clients, and the public.
• Willingness to accept supervision and direction.
• Become CPR and First Aid Certified.
• Driving is required: must be at least 21 years of age, possess a current driver’s license, have a good driving record, and be insurable on the agency liability policy.
• Must be able to pass Utah-DHS – Office of Licensing background screening and pre-employment drug screen.

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift and carry 25 lbs.
• Ability to walk up and down stairs.
• Ability to move around the facility, interacting with clients for extended periods.
• Work is generally performed in an office environment. May entail using a computer for extended periods of time.