Peer Support Specialist - Monday - Friday 8am - 4:30pm in Santa Cruz, California at Janus of Santa Cruz

Peer support Specialists (PSS) are individuals who have been successful in the recovery process, and help others beginning the SUD recovery journey. Based on an approved Individual Plan of Care, they are key agents of change and recovery for clients at a peer level. Peer Support Specialists support people in accessing SUD treatment and maintaining a housing recovery residence with attention to their health and safety. They ensure individuals in recovery focus on their goals and learn life skills helping individuals build recovery capital and discontinue using substances. Peer Support Specialists constantly assess clients' needs and consistently respond with creative problem solving to changing demands and pressures. PSS bring issues of concern and/or importance to the Recovery Residence Case Manager for consultation.

The schedule for this role is Monday - Friday 8am - 4:30pm.

Janus of Santa Cruz is currently seeking a qualified Admissions Peer Support Specialist position, responsible for supporting clients’ SUD treatment goals for recovery and self-sufficiency. Through shared understanding, respect, and mutual empowerment, the Peer Support Specialist helps clients to become and stay engaged in their recovery from addictions and reduce the likelihood of relapse. Core Values of the Peer Support Specialist include: hope, person driven/centered, holistic wellness, authenticity, cultural responsiveness and humility, respect, integrity, advocacy, confidentiality, safe and protection, education, mutuality, reciprocity, strengths as wellness, recovery and resilience based.

The Peer Support Specialist:

• Supports people in accessing or maintaining SUD treatment recognizing the validity of multiple pathways to self-defined recovery
• Respects the confidentiality of clients: aware of sensitive personal information about the families like medical files or finance information
• Communicates and understands clients’ challenges and strengths well and is able to build a working relationship through empathy and shared connections
• Validates each person’s progress, keeps them actively engaged in their recovery goals
• Supports exploring any and all resources when helping someone achieve recovery including healthy nutrition
• In collaboration with Program Manager, ensure that all supplies needed for the recovery residences are ordered delivered on time
• Is aware of the house calendar, daily housekeeping and maintenance performed by clients and is part of ensuring that the facility is always well-kept
• Helps clients to meet weekly schedules, chores, meetings, etc.
• Assists with data-tracking requirements related to peer support care in residential programs
• Someone who consistently responds positively, with creative problem solving, to changing house/client needs
• Follows trauma-informed care model

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be at least 18 years old or older, possess a high school diploma, GED or equivalent or College Degree
• Someone who self-identifies as an individual with lived experience in SUD recovery, with at least six-12 months of active recovery-and is interested in providing a supportive environment to other individuals in recovery
• Agree to uphold the California Department of Health and Services Medical Code of Ethics for Peer Support Specialists in California
• Personality/style that offers warmth, structure, and firm boundaries
• Time management skills; Responsible, efficient, discreet, and organized
• Registration with a certifying organization as a Peer Support Specialist (may be obtained through Janus of Santa Cruz

At Janus of Santa Cruz, the well-being of our employees is paramount to our planning and policies.

• We provide unlimited counseling (telehealth and in-person) at zero cost to our employees.
• We also provide competitive retirement plans for full-time, part-time, and on call employes with generous matching after six months of consecutive employment.
• Amazing Benefits: Enjoy comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, 12 paid holidays, retirement benefits, no-cost mental health counseling services, and 12 paid sick days per year.
• Impactful Work: Be at the forefront of transforming lives and communities.
• Collaborative Environment: Work with a dedicated team of professionals committed to holistic care and rehabilitation.
• Professional Growth: Seize opportunities to attend, participate, and speak at local and state-level meetings, events, conferences, and training.
• Supportive Culture: Thrive in a workplace that values your contributions and supports your professional development.

Janus of Santa Cruz maintains and promotes a working environment free from discrimination and harassment; and provides all current and prospective employees with equal opportunity in employment regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, disability, medical condition, sex, gender identity, physical characteristics, marital status, age, sexual orientation, organizational affiliation, veteran status, or past justice related situations.