Unity Recovery Forensic Peer Support Specialist Pittsburgh, PA · Full time Company website

Apply for Forensic Peer Support Specialist

Recovery is a reality for over 22 million Americans with past substance use concerns, over 40 million in mental health recovery, and countless more millions across the globe. We truly believe that recovery is individual, dynamic, and ultimately, best directed by the individual with support from their community. With this philosophy in mind, Unity Recovery was founded to be an inclusive recovery community organization and community center for everyone. We offer non-clinical, peer-based recovery support services in our communities to support individuals and family members on their paths of recovery. Vision: We envision a world where recovery is no longer hidden in the shadows and the millions of Americans with mental health and substance use disorders are celebrated and supported. Mission: To provide inclusive community-based recovery support services and education for all individuals in or seeking recovery.

Project: The hired candidates will work within a community center and carceral setting to provide re-entry peer support (e.g., forensic peer services) to individuals with current and past carceral system involvement.

Summary: Employment is contigent upon approval of entry into the assigned criminal justice facility. Failure to obtain approval will result in employment offers being rescinded.

The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) - peer role types including peer recovery support specialists (substance use and/or mental health training); forensic peer specialists; family peer support specialists - will work in partnership with all individuals who may benefit from peer support services. The PSS will deliver services in line with their training and based on the needs of the individuals engaged in their assigned program. The PSS will serve as a role model, mentor, advocate, navigator, and motivator to individuals in or seeking recovery in an effort to promote recovery and/or re-entry planning and goal realizations, which may include reductions in harm from substance use and sustaining long-term recovery. The PSS must demonstrate an ability to facilitate recovery and/or re-entry planning that follows diverse recovery pathways (including medication and moderation), consciously share personal recovery experiences as appropriate, develop authentic peer-to-peer relationships, and have an understanding of and respect for each individual’s unique path to recovery and/or reintegration into the community.

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:

• Certified Recovery Specialist, Certified Peer Specialist, or Certified Family Recovery Support Specialist (or eligible to earn the respective certification within 6 months of hire) with at least one year of experience working in community-based settings. Ideal candidates will also have a forensic peer support designation and have experience providing re-entry peer services in any setting.
• High degree of technological literacy, or willingness to acquire these skills as part of employment
• Background checks may be required for staff that will work with youth, inside criminal justice settings, or other settings as determined by Executive Leadership
• Reliable and insured personal transportation.

*Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women, people of color, and those who identify as LGBTQ+, are less likely to apply to jobs if they don’t meet every single qualification. At Unity Recovery, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Essential Duties:

• Work five in person days per week as scheduled and have availability of at least one weekend day each week.
• Provide peer-based support services to individuals contemplating or actively seeking help with behavioral health recovery and/or community-based re-entry.
• Engage in relationship building with individuals to establish rapport, as evidenced by empathetic and active listening and communicating in a non-judgmental way.
• Participate in daily shift debriefs, as well as weekly individual supervision, and monthly group supervision.
• Administrative duties include recovery plan creation, data tracking and entry, and regular digital communication via email, group messaging apps, etc.
• Conduct self in an ethical manner by adhering to the state certifying body codes of ethics.
• Follow and adhere to the recovery bill of rights.

Daily Job Responsibilities:

• Provide recovery education to individuals for every phase of the recovery journey from pre-recovery engagement, recovery initiation, recovery stabilization, and sustained recovery.
• Identify emergency or crisis situations and facilitate access to appropriate resources, negotiating and connecting individuals with resources and navigating systems.
• Assist in the development and enhancement of an individual’s comprehensive individualized recovery and/or re-entry plan, recognizing many pathways to recovery, accessing and advocating for recovery and community resources. The goal should be to transition from professionally assisted recovery initiation to personally directed, community supported recovery maintenance.
• Collaborate with institutions to provide effective peer support services to identified individuals.
• Actively identify and support linkages to community resources (communities of recovery, educational, vocational, social, cultural, spiritual resources, mutual aid groups, professional services, etc.) that support the individual’s goals and interests. This will involve a collaborative effort including the individual, staff, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Assist the individual to identify and prioritize strengths and needs, using various techniques that engage individuals to self-disclose and engage in change oriented actions.
• Maintain project logs, reports, and accurate records in appropriate files and database(s), adhering to program standards.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding information received during the facilitation of recovery support services – maintain current understanding of federal, state and local confidentiality rules and regulations.
• Engage in continuing professional development relative to peer support services, applying practical and professional knowledge and experience.
• Maintain Peer Support credential.
• Other duties as directed by Peer Supervisor, Program Director, or local Services Director

Compensation: Includes optional health, dental, and vision benefits; 401k with company match after 1 year of service; unlimited PTO; and other benefits as designated by the organization.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $36,000.00 - $42,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply