INTRODUCTION

Under the direction of the DOC Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Program Director, the Peer Navigator's role is to support others in recovery from a substance use disorder within the DOC facilities known as the Central Detention Facility (CDF) and the Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF), jointly known as the DC jail. Using a team approach, the Peer Navigator provides non-clinical services and works as part of SUD team to provide peer support and motivation to encourage patients who are assessed to have alcohol or drug dependency and addiction issues to receive treatment. The Peer Support Navigator will serve as a role model, mentor, advocate and motivator to recovering individuals in order to help prevent relapse and promote long-term recovery. The Peer Navigator must demonstrate an ability to share personal recovery experiences and to develop authentic peer to-peer relationships. Primary responsibilities include coordinating with the SUD team, building trust providing supportive services, and providing support while in the facility and after release.

MAJOR DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Provides recovery education to residents for every phase of the recovery journey from pre-recovery engagement, recovery initiation, recovery stabilization, and sustained recovery maintenance.
• Acts as model for both people in recovery and staff by demonstrating that recovery is possible.
• Assists recovering persons to identify their personal interests, goals, strengths and weaknesses regarding recovery.
• Assists/coaches recovering persons develop their own plan for advancing their recovery; for getting the life, they want.
• Performs Recovery Planning, including facilitating (via personal coaching) the transition from a professionally directed service plan to a self-directed Recovery Plan. The goal should be to transition from professionally assisted recovery initiation to personally directed, community supported recovery maintenance.
• Actively identifies and supports linkages to community resources (communities of recovery, educational, vocational, social, cultural, spiritual resources, mutual self- help groups, professional services, etc.) that support the recovering person's goals and interests. This will involve a collaborative effort including the recovering person, agency staff and other relevant stakeholders.
• Supports connections to community based, mutual self-help groups. Links individuals to appropriate professional resources when needed. Provides vision-driven hope and encouragement for opportunities at varying levels of involvement in community based activities (e.g., work, school, relationships, physical activity, self-directed hobbies, etc.).
• Develops relationships with community groups/agencies in partnership with others in the agency.
• Identifies barriers (internal and external) to full participation in community resources and developing strategies to overcome those barriers.
• Collaborates with addiction counselors and case management to assist in identifying needs related to addictions, mental illness, homelessness, domestic violence, family issues and on-going support.
• Attends training programs offered to enhance effectiveness of role. Demonstrates a willingness to learn and have an interest in acquiring new skills.
• Other duties as directed by SUD Program Director, Director of Behavioral Health and/or Assistant Director of Behavioral Health.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma/G.E.D.
• Two (2) years of experience work related to behavioral health and/or addictions.
• Two (2) years of experience as a community health worker or peer recovery specialist with diverse populations.
• Preferred: Active certification or waiver as a Peer Specialist or Recovery Coach through Department of Behavioral Health's Certified Peer Specialist training program or willing to obtain certification within six months of hire.
• Preferred: A person actively in recovery with a minimum of two years of professional experience in a substance use disorder setting providing peer support/navigation.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)
• Must have the understanding of and respect for each individual's unique path to recovery.
• Must have a working knowledge of the drug and alcohol treatment system and a demonstrated commitment to the recovery community
• Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to work effectively with a wide range of people, teams, managers, supervisors, and vendors.
• Must demonstrate critical thinking, problem-solving, organizational and time management
• Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency with business software (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite).
• Knowledge and ability to navigate an Electronic Medical Record (EMR), including data entry.
• Must have the ability to respect and uphold patient confidentiality.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The position reports to the Substance Use Disorder Program Director.

GUIDELINES

The position abides by all rules and regulations set forth by applicable licensing and regulatory bodies, as well as UHC policies and procedures.

PERSONAL CONTACTS

The position requires contact with staff at all levels throughout the organization. There are also external organization relationships that may be a part of the work of this individual.

PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Refer to the attached ADA check list.

RISKS

The position's work involves everyday risk and discomforts, which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, meetings, training rooms, and other UHC sites. The work area is adequately lit, heated, and ventilated. The employee shall provide evidence of a recent (within the past twelve (12) months) health assessment that includes a PPD and/or chest x-ray results.

The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibility and essential functions of this position, but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.