Peer Support Worker

Peer Support Worker

Program/Location: START/New Bedford

Education: High School diploma and lived experience with substance use and recovery

Pay Range: $20-$23 per hour (Experience & education dependent)

Status: Full time

Shift: Monday through Friday 8:30-5:00 with occasional evening and weekend hours as required

Benefits 

• Medical Insurance  
• Dental Insurance  
• Vision Insurance  
• Long & short term disability 
• Discounted auto/home and renters insurance  
• 403b - Retirement 
• FSA & DCA 
• PFML
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Bonuses & Referral 
• Eligibility for free classes to become a Licensed Counselor or Recovery Coach 
• Education days to use towards CEU's 
• Free meals at select programs and when available 
• Unmatched Leave Time (FT employees can earn up to 3 weeks in first year) 

About Us

High Point Treatment Center’s Stimulant Treatment and Recovery Team (START) is an outpatient support program for individuals looking to make a change in their use of stimulant substances. The START clinic is seeking a Peer Support Worker to join our team and help participants to better access and coordinate their care.

High Point & Affiliated Organizations is a health and human service agency whose mission is to treat and prevent substance use disorders and mental illness. High Point has programs located throughout Southeastern Massachusetts offering a full continuum of care for substance use and mental health treatment, including inpatient, outpatient, residential, and community-based services. Programs and services also assist survivors of abuse, violence, and families experiencing homelessness. High Point believes that everyone has inherent goodness, worth, and dignity. Our goal is to help individuals and families achieve personal change and improve their quality of life.

Peer Support Worker Duties & Responsibilities

• Will provide peer support to participants identified with Stimulant Use Disorder, as characterized by use of cocaine, methamphetamine, and/or other amphetamines
• Will utilize StUD screening tool and refer to appropriate levels of care
• Will utilize lived experience to assist participants in the navigation of systems and build authentic peer relationships that influence wellness and safety
• Will have an understanding of the barriers faced by people with Substance Use Disorder and will assist eligible participants through pre-enrollment processes
• Will serve as a liaison between participants, treatment team, and community providers
• Will maintain appropriate confidentiality and boundaries
• Will present participants at case review meetings and will consult with team regarding complex situations
• Will provide outreach and harm reduction education
• Will participate in community engagement and events
• Other duties as assigned by Peer Support Worker Supervisor/Project Manager

Peer Support Worker Requirements

• Must present as courteous and professional at all times
• Demonstrated flexibility and ability to perform multiple tasks
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to organize ideas in logical and clear fashion
• Proficient and knowledge of basic computer skills and software programs including the ability to learn, use and train HPAO`s electronic medical records
• An understanding of the relationship between substance use and mental health issues and/or self-help programs
• Knowledge of the addiction treatment services system and recovery support services;
• An understanding of boundaries and ethics
• Comply with Federal Regulations, 42 CFR Part 2, Substance Abuse Confidentiality Regulations and HIPAA Regulations
• Certification in the HPAO approved de-escalation program
• Ability to work collaboratively with alcohol/drug dependent clients from diverse legal, social, economic, ethnic, cultural and racial backgrounds as well as family members, insurance providers and outside providers;
• Ability to work independently without direct supervision while adhering to the program’s philosophical team approach;
• Established contacts and recovery partnerships in the community
• Participation in annual TB screening

Peer Support Worker Qualifications

• High school diploma and lived experience of substance use and recovery.
• Valid driver’s license, clean driving record and ownership of a vehicle.
• Preferred successful completion in trainings and/or coursework that are designed to prepare individuals to serve in a peer support role.