JOB SUMMARY

The Respite Peer Navigator plays a crucial role in providing support and guidance to individuals with substance use disorder staying at the respite house. As someone with lived experience of recovery, the Peer Navigator offers empathy, understanding, and practical assistance to residents, assisting them in navigating their recovery journey and connecting them with resources and services as needed. The Respite Peer Navigator helps provide a safe environment, peer support, and supervision to individuals with substance use disorders.

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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Peer Support: Provide peer support to residents by sharing personal experiences of recovery, offering encouragement, and fostering a sense of community and belonging within the respite house.

• Screening, Assessment, and Planning: Conduct initial screenings and assessments of residents' needs, strengths, and goals, and collaboratively develop individualized recovery discharge plans to support their journey towards stability and wellness.

• Case Management: Assist residents in accessing and navigating community resources and support services, including healthcare, mental health services, substance use treatment, housing assistance, employment support, and other essential resources.

• Crisis Intervention: Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation support as needed, utilizing trauma-informed and person-centered approaches to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.

• Advocacy: Advocate on behalf of residents to ensure their voices are heard and their rights are respected within the respite house and in interactions with external service providers and agencies.

• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate and confidential records of interactions with residents, including assessments, progress notes, and service referrals, and provide regular reports to supervisory staff as required.

• Team Collaboration: Collaborate with other staff members, including clinical staff, case managers, and support workers, to ensure coordinated and holistic care for residents, and participate in regular team meetings and case conferences.

• House Management: Ensure the respite house daily needs are met. This may include light housework, cleaning, laundry, and light meal preparation.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have lived experience in recovery from substance use disorder and a minimum of 2 years of sustained sobriety.

• Must be able to pass a Level II Background screening

• Certified Peer Recovery Specialist required

• High school diploma or equivalent; additional education or training in peer support, addiction counseling, social work, or related field preferred.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish rapport and build trust with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

• Strong leadership skills

• Knowledge of community resources and support services for individuals in recovery, and the ability to effectively navigate and advocate within the healthcare and social service systems.

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and proficiency in documentation and record-keeping.

• Empathy, compassion, and a non-judgmental attitude towards individuals with substance use disorder.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team, and to effectively manage crisis situations with calmness and professionalism.

• High ethical skills

• Proficient verbal and written communication skills

• Computer skills including Microsoft Office products (i.e., Excel, Office, Outlook, Word)

 

WORK CONDITIONS

• The position may involve working shifts on a rotating schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

• The work environment may include exposure to individuals experiencing acute mental health crises or substance use-related issues.

 

Physical Requirements:

Ability to be present and active in a group home setting

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Benefits:

Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications

Paid time off 

Professional development and certification support

Opportunities for personal and professional growth within a supportive, recovery-focused organization

 

Compensation: Commensurate with experience and other qualifications.

 

Job Type: Full-time, Part-time equivalent positions

Starting Pay: $31,200 Annually (based on experience and or shift)

Schedule: Day, Afternoon, and Midnight shifts

 

License/Certification:

Recovery Peer Specialist Certification (Preferred)

 

Note: This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and qualifications. The Respite Peer Navigator may be required to perform other duties as assigned by the organization's leadership.