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We are recruiting for a motivated Peer Support Specialist II - Jail to Community to join our team!

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DepartmentAdult Psychiatrists

With over 700 employees, Behavioral Health Services (BHS) at Denver Health is a large and rapidly expanding department that provides psychiatric care for patients in community, emergency, inpatient, justice, medical, mobile, and outpatient settings. As a non-profit committed to meeting community needs and promoting health equity, Denver Health offers psychiatrists a practice full of meaning and purpose. All physicians at Denver Health have an academic appointment at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. As such, Denver Health is an excellent place to work for physicians with an interest in clinical education.

Job Summary

Denver Health is recruiting a Peer Support Specialist II for a new program titled THRIVE-JOI: Transforming Health by Reducing Inequities for the Vulnerable - Jail to community Overdose Intervention. The THRIVE-JOI Peer will provide peer recovery support and linkage to care for individuals released from incarceration who are seeking treatment for substance use. The THRIVE-JOI Peer works with clients in Denver City and County Jails who are currently receiving treatment for alcohol and opioid use disorders. The Peer meets with individuals in jail to provide intentional peer support, plan for release, facilitate connection to Denver Health and/or other agencies for substance use and other treatment upon release, and assist with resource navigation. After release from jail, the Peer continues to provide these services and support for six months. The THRIVE-JOI Peer works to fill a critical gap in care by assisting with a critical transition of care, offering trauma-informed peer support, and meeting other key needs upon release. The Peer builds connections and works collaboratively with other Denver Health partners, jail programs staff, and community-based organizations to establish this new linkage to care model and to provide feedback on the program's design, processes, and quality improvement. Due to the in-reach component of this program, hiring is contingent upon passing a background check with Denver Health as well as Denver City and County Jails.

The Peer Support Specialist II will provide support, assistance, and advocation for individuals with substance use and mental health challenges by utilizing their own lived experiences to provide support, mentoring, and sharing of resources. The Peer Support Specialist will aid clients in building community, creating relationships, connecting with follow-up care and resources, mentoring, and setting goals and helping clients to overcome obstacles to achieving their goals. The Peer Support Specialist will build relationships with hospitals, community mental health and service providers, harm reduction organizations, supportive housing agencies, and law enforcement to educate each about the availability of treatment and to support effective linkage to services and supports.

Essential Functions:

Perform outreach and engagement into local evidence-based treatment for people experiencing substance misuse and mental health challenges. Create authentic and meaningful supportive relationships with individuals with substance use and/or mental health challenges seeking treatment and understand their needs to assist them in being linked to the appropriate supportive resources. Facilitate peer recovery support services, in a group and/or individual settings. Assist participants with the creation of a personal recovery plan and/or provide resources to reduce barriers to care. Assist patients in completing any nec ssary paperwork. Document appropriately according to job requirements. (35%) Partner with treatment providers, hospitals, Emergency Departments, harm reduction organizations, support services, law enforcement, and community-based organizations to educate each about the availability of treatment and ensure effective linkage to services from the community. Participate in regular community meetings focused on addressing substance misuse and mental health challenges, as assigned by supervisor. (20%) Assist patients in accessing therapeutic and supportive services, promote personal growth, development, and recovery while meeting patients where they are at. Be a mentor and role model, aid in goal setting, building skills, and removing barriers to follow up care. Advocate for people in recovery while serving as a living example of someone who has previously suffered from addiction or mental health issues and desires to help others achieve and maintain recovery. (40%) Develops resource lists and workflows for ease of transitions between internal and external programs and departments. (5%)

Education: No High School Diploma and/or No GED Required High School Diploma or GED Preferred

Work Experience: Lived experience of recovery from substance use and/or successful management of mental health challenges for a minimum of 1 year (longer period preferred). Required Certified as a Colorado Peer and Family Specialist (CPFS), National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS) certification, or an equivalent peer certification. Full certification required. OR willingness to complete full certification within 6 months of employment. Required Minimum of 1 year experience in peer support position or relevant work in similar field. Required