Peer Support Specialist

First Step At Lake View Job Opportunity

First Step at Lake View offers alcohol and drug treatment designed to meet the unique needs of women, pregnant women, and women with dependent children. Treatment interventions include non-medical detox, short term residential treatment, intensive outpatient services with or without supportive housing, outpatient counseling and primary healthcare collaboration. A licensed child care, parenting, case management and mental health services are integrated into the holistic treatment program. First Step at Lake View is situated in a quiet campus setting with large areas of green space and relaxing views from all areas of the grounds and a high quality children's playground. Lawrence Outpatient Treatment Services offers outpatient substance abuse treatment for adolescents and adults in the Lawrence, KS, area.

Position Overview:

• Provides advocacy and support to individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) who are receiving services through Behavioral Health Services
• Assists clients individually and in group settings to establish an Individual Wellness Recovery Action Plan
• Assists clients in acquiring life skills and employment readiness
• Uses electronic documentation to complete Individual Wellness Recovery Actions Plans, participate in treatment planning, and required case file documentation
• Transports and links clients to required services

Requirements include:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 21 years of age or older
• Minimum 2 years demonstrated personal recovery experience
• Completion of Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services 15 hour approved Peer to Peer Mentor education program within six months of employment
• Valid driver's license with a good driving record
• Must pass pre-employment background checks, reference checks, and drug screening

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Requires overall computer knowledge and proficiency with the following:
• Computerized database programs
• Spreadsheet programs
• Word processing programs
• Requires the ability to efficiently operate office equipment such as:
• Computerized e-mail systems
• Calculators, copiers, fax machines
• Telephones and voicemail systems
• Effective listening, oral, and written communication skills, including face-to-face, on-site, in person discussions
• Exercises appropriate use of positive language
• Regular and predictable on-site attendance
• Proficiency with computers and Microsoft suite of products including Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint

Adherence to DCCCA Values:

• We provide education and services based on research and a dedicated commitment to improving lives.
• We value the people and communities we serve by respecting their experiences and treating them with dignity and respect.
• We encourage leadership at all levels by challenging existing conditions and finding innovative ways to grow and learn.
• We deliver high quality services every day, holding ourselves accountable for our outcomes.

Physical Requirements:

• The physical demands described below are representative of what must be met to satisfy the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to:
• Stand, walk, sit, climb, or balance
• Talk, hear, taste, or smell
• Reach with hands and arms
• Use hands to touch, handle, or feel
• Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• Lift or move up to 50 pounds occasionally
• Work at a computer for extended periods of time, sitting or standing
• Operate successfully in an environment in which mentally and emotionally stressful topics may be discussed or trained, i.e. substance use disorder, mental health conditions, domestic abuse, etc.
• Vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Travel:

• This position requires travel, which may include driving personal or company-owned vehicles. It may also include driving with other passengers in the vehicle, and/or driving as a passenger with other drivers. Note: Even with a valid driver's license, certain motor vehicle infractions may render individual's ineligible to drive company-owned or personal vehicles for company business. Such infractions may also disqualify employees from continued employment.