PEER RECOVERY SUPPORT SPEC

University of Alabama at Birmingham

As part of a team working under the Opioid Use Disorder-Co-Occurring Reentry Program (OUD-COD) federal grant, the Peer Recovery Support Specialist is involved in institutional evidence-based screening (UNCOPE/BRIEF MH SCREENER) and intervening with individuals that are at risk for opioid use and overdose as well as mental health diagnoses.

This position will work with substance abuse and/or other mental health-related program participants in groups and/or on a one-on-one basis to provide advocacy and personal coaching/mentoring and serve as a vital member of the case management team.

Key Roles & Responsibilities

• Facilitates the VPRAI-R risk/needs assessment, Uncope, Brief MH screeners, with participants possessing criminal backgrounds in an institutional setting.
• Maintains individual supportive interaction with participants, their families and social supports.
• Assists case managers in directing clients to available resources in the community to promote community integration.
• Transports clients to various community entities as deemed necessary by case manager or program administrator
• Provides education and advocacy with community partners and agency that promotes awareness of substance abuse and/or other mental health related disorders and criminal thinking while reducing misconceptions, prejudice and discrimination.
• Assist in coordinating a therapeutic transition to community resources for assistance, as well as provide follow-up supportive communication and data collection for the federal grant.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Work Characteristics

• Ability to encourage and persuade people
• Ability to mentor others
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to work independently
• Conflict resolution skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Written and verbal communication skills

Hourly Range: $15.00 -$ 21.15

Education

• High School diploma or GED.
• One (1) year of relevant experience in a peer recovery support environment required.
• Certified or eligible to be certified as a Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) by The Alabama Department of Mental Health OR Certified Peer Support Specialist through FORMLL OR Nationally Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS) by the Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC). NCPRSS preferred.
• Must obtain certification within one year from date of hire into classification.

UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and veteran’s status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB’s Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.