Primary function

• The FITT Peer Support Specialist serves as an advocate and positive role-model for drug-affected parents with active dependency cases. They assess each parent's relapse potential and share with program staff, as well as client, to develop targeted intervention/s to optimize the child(ren)'s protective factors.

Scope of work

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position.

• Establish a peer mentor relationship with the client that facilitates cooperation, engagement and retention in appropriate level of treatment.
• Provide on-going support to the parent/s to assist in creating a safe and secure home environment for the child(ren).
  
• In conjunction with FITT case manager, assist clients by locating housing, food, clothing, furniture, etc., as needed. 
  
• Escort and/or transport parent(s) to substance abuse treatment sessions; 12 Step meetings; medical, educational, social  service  & mental health appointments; and other ancillary services as indicated.
  
• Assist in identifying client strengths, limitations, risk factors, needs, and progress of the client to share with the FITT team.
  
• Assist the client in identifying the possible effects & impact of continuing substance use on his/her current life problems and parenting in ways that enhance the client's motivation for treatment.
  
• Attend and participate in family team meetings reviews, clinical staffing (as indicated), FITT team meetings, and 90-day permanency staffing.
  
• Collaborate with supervisor and the FITT treatment team as necessary; documents findings and  recommendations according to agency policy.
  
• Meet with supervisor a minimum of x1 monthly in supervision to review cases, documentation, and discuss unique challenges of being a peer support specialist.
• Prepares accurate, timely, and concise client records that are consistent with agency standards and comply with all applicable regulations. 
• Protect client rights to privacy and confidentiality in the preparation and handling of records. 
  
• Understand requirements of mandated reporting of suspected child abuse or neglect and promptly discusses any possible incidents with supervisor.
  
• Be familiar with the mutually agreed upon measurable treatment objectives for client needs and desired outcomes, based on priority needs.
  
• Help FITT Team coordinate treatment activities with community resources in a manner consistent with the diagnosis and placement criteria and client needs as requested. 
  
• Informs the client and family of confidentiality rights and the exceptions imposed by regulations.
  
• Provides feedback to the FITT Team regarding the progress on referrals as it relates to the client's treatment plan objectives. 
  
• Provide a peer mentor perspective to the FITT treatment team the client and family's recovery process and challenges. 
  
• Maintain respect and non-judgmental attitudes toward clients in all contacts. 
  
• Understands applicable confidentiality regulations and ensures that all staff maintains confidentiality when sharing information in clinical consultation.
  
• Maintain ongoing contact with client to assist in ensuring adherence to support the treatment and dependency goals.
  

Standards of performance

• Maintain client rights as defined by DCF.
• Maintain clinical records in accordance with agency standards.
• Follow all established Agency policies and procedures.
• Maintain the highest standards in ethical conduct, confidentiality, and treatment quality.
• Model ideals of integrity, loyalty, and teamwork.
• Adheres to company time and attendance standards.
• Demonstrates knowledge of company policy and procedure.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains a safe work environment.
• Maintains up-to-date Aggression Control and CPR training.
• Attendance and punctuality are prerequisites of satisfactory performance.
• Compliance with all company policies and procedures.
• Familiarity with agency mission and adherence to the agency's philosophy of continuity of quality care.
• Satisfactory completion of duties and responsibilities of the position as required by management and supervision.
• This position must obtain minimum direct service hours per fiscal year and meet all other minimum job requirements and demands.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports. Ability to speak effectively. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, or schedule form.

Physical requirements

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Regularly required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls. Frequently required to stand, walk, sit and talk or hear. Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. Employee must occasionally work outside