PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST

JOB DESCRIPTION

Role and Responsibilities

• Partner with Case Managers to support the provision of reentry services.
• Maintain regular contact with Case Managers regarding service coordination and attend regular Case Conference meetings to discuss client needs or concerns.
• Provide needed transportation to reentrants using DCJ vehicles. The transportation destinations may include, but are not limited to: providing transport upon release to predetermined residence or inpatient treatment; transport to Probation & Parole as needed; mental health and medical appointments; job interviews; Delaware Treatment Access Center (TASC); sex offender treatment; Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) appointments (on the day of release and follow-up).
• Establish a peer relationship with participants that support client’s hope for the future and successful participation in the reentry transition.
• Serves as a role model and promotes participant self-advocacy.
• Complete thorough documentation of services provided using Time and Effort Log.
• Maintain regular contact with program participants to support engagement in services.
• Guide reentrants through a successful reentry transition by providing direct social support; attend activities as requested such as AA/NA meetings or community appointments.
• Assist participants with Workforce Development by providing hands-on life skills building, such as tools to navigate the job market with a criminal background and interview preparation.
• Adhere to flexible schedule to allow for evening/weekend hours to support client needs. Participate in rotating 24/7 “On-Call” schedule to support unplanned/unexpected releases and needs.
• Provide emotional support and assist participants with navigating the challenges and successes of their reentry transition.
• Collaborate with participants to create long-term reentry plans and personal goals, such as gaining employment, enrolling in education, financial freedom, long-term housing, and family reunification.
• Maintain safe driving record and attend Defensive Driving training as requested.
• Assist with policy, communications, and development as they relate to the staff member’s assigned program.
• Accept and perform other work as assigned.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Staff serving in this capacity will have lived experience with justice involvement or behavioral health challenges. Candidates should have 2 years of sobriety or be 2 years removed from the Criminal Justice System.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to multi-task and effectively manage work at different sites (in-office and off-site).
• Must have a valid Delaware Driver’s License.
• Basic computer skills, including but not limited to the use of Microsoft Office, as well as Zoom/Skype and other distance meeting resources.
• Ability to multitask and work both independently and with supervision, on-site and remotely.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Embrace an understanding of justice involvement that acknowledges the impact of institutional racism and the systemic oppression of BIPOC, women, and LGBTQ+ people; must share the belief that people can change in positive ways.
• Must embrace teamwork, have a strong work ethic, be a self-starter with a positive attitude, with a good sense of humor.
• Strong team building, organizing, writing, and other communication skills are essential.

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