Peer Mentor

BASIC PURPOSE OF THE JOB: To positively affect the child, the adult, and the family environment through support services for the individuals or families seeking substance use services and resources in local communities that promotes and consistently articulate the mission of Saint Francis Community Services, Inc.  The peer mentor is part of a team to promote recovery and to assist with helping clients receive services needed, this could include transportation to an inpatient program. Peer mentors share their story to model how recovery works. Case Management needs are often a key factor in promoting recovery. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists with incentive programs for active participation and completion of programs.
• Develop working relationships with community partners.
• Is knowledgeable of and follows all safety procedures.
• Available to complete drug screening, UAs and sweat patches are often the required screens for the clients.
• Able to facilitate psychoeducational groups related to substance use and healthy living
• In-home work is required for Seeking Safety but also may need to be provided in the traditional outpatient substance use programs.
• In the Seeking Safety Program, the work is completed in the client’s home, this requires the peer to travel to the clients home.
• In Seeking Safety DCF refers the clients; therefore, it could mean the peer could spend hours driving to provide services.
• Transporting clients to inpatient programs
• Transporting clients to support program or to assist with case management needs.
• The ability to drive across the State of Kansas to assist with treatment needs.
• Hours of work: Maintain a flexible schedule, including the ability to work evenings and weekends, to meet the needs of clients and their families if families are involved in the identified client’s treatment as directed by the supervisor.
• Responsible for notifying clients if they are not able to keep their scheduled appointment.
• Implements SFCS policies and follows directives as required. Follows and adheres to all pertinent SFCS Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s), rules, personnel policies and procedures; related accreditation and licensure standards; and federal, state and local rules, statutes, regulations, and all term of the contract between SFM and DCF and all other grantees.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, LICENSURE/CERTIFICATIONS, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or GED
• Applicants must have lived experience with substance use challenges and been in stable, sustained recovery for at least one year.
• Must have completed or will complete within the first 3 months of employment, the peer mentor program offered by KDADS. Must be willing to complete Level II when the training is available thought KDADS. This might require Saturday training.
• Some clients need evenings and weekend support sessions.
• Must be 21 years of age
• Must pass MVR, KBI and Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry Clearance check .
• Must have a valid Driver’s License.  Legally capable of operating a vehicle in accordance with state driving regulations.
• Mandated Reporter
• Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Flexible to changing situations, staff and families.
• Sensitive to the needs of families.
• Able to solve problems but also able and willing to seek assistance when necessary.
• Must be a team player willing to show flexibility.
• Basic understanding of adolescent development, adult’s treatment and defense mechanisms.
• Ability to listen, analyze and record information.
• Able to share their story in a healthy way.
• Willing to take clients to appointments.
• Willing to take clients to support groups
• May need to work with contracted services that may include congregate care programs.
• Assist parents in moving forward in their relationships with children/spouse or co- parent with recognizing enabling behaviors.
• Establish rapport and impart caring and empathy while remaining objective and professional behavior in relationships with clients.
• Independent discretion/decision making within the scope and responsibility of the position.
• Handles multiple priorities.
• Manages emotions and can make reasonable decisions under pressure that follows policy and procedures.
• Manage stress appropriately. If feeling stressed will seek out supervisor.
• Works alone effectively with good communication skills with the counselor and supervisor.
• Works effectively near others and/or in a distracting environment.
• Works effectively with others /teamwork.
• Will document within SFM HER system the interactions during client sessions and phone calls.
• Understands and practices Universal Precautions.
• Initiative
• Versatility
• Attendance/Punctuality
• Effectiveness in working relationship with others/teamwork
• Housekeeping and safety
• SFM has a dress code regarding appearance
• Past the SFM driver’s training course and understand SFM policies related to driving SFM cars and safe driving
• Understand what HIPPA and confidentiality means for the protection of clients.