Peer Specialist

Tohono O'odham Nation

About The Position

Under close supervision, helps and supports fellow peers cultivate their independence, self-confidence, and self-esteem; empowers others to explore new options, resources, relationships, feelings, attitudes, and rights. The Peer Specialist is a mentor, companion, educator, advocate and friend to program clients. The work is normally reviewed in progress and upon completion of each assignment to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and conformance to established standards; most aspects of the work tasks are covered by detailed instructions or procedures.

Requirements

Knowledge in the Tohono O'odham culture, customs, and traditions.
Knowledge of various mental health diagnosis.
Knowledge of barriers to members faced by disadvantaged populations.
Knowledge of community resources.
Skill in providing superior customer service for both internal and externals customers.
Skill in organization and planning.
Skill in analyzing problems, projecting consequences, identifying solutions and implementing recommendations.
Skill to train subordinate members, assign tasks, and to supervise their work.
Ability to maintain appropriate positive, professional interpersonal relationships with staff, peers, volunteers and others.
Ability to exercise good personal time management, and to be consistent and reliable.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to work extended hours and various work schedules.
Ability to interact and maintain good working relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds.
Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively both verbally and in writing.
Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
Ability to exercise independent judgment.
Ability to obtain First Aid and CPR certifications.
Ability to travel within the interior/exterior boundaries of the Tohono O'odham Nation.
High School Diploma or General Education Diploma and three months experience in working in a position assisting others with basic needs, or an equivalent combination of training, education, and work experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of this position.
Must obtain certifications in Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and First Aid within the first six months of hire.
Upon recommendation for hire, a criminal background and National FBI check is required to determine suitability for hire, including a 39-month Motor Vehicle Record.
May require possessing and maintaining a valid driver's license, (no DUIs or major traffic citations within the last three years).
If required, must meet the Tohono O'odham Nation tribal employer's insurance requirements to receive a driver's permit to operate program vehicles.
Based on the department's needs, incumbents may be required to demonstrate fluency in both the Tohono O'odham Language and English as a condition of employment.

Responsibilities

Provides leadership, supports and encourages positive behaviors and addresses behaviors that are detrimental to the individual and/or community; provides leadership in the performance of therapeutic activities.
Forms professional relationships with clients and communicates with them in a way that respects their views, autonomy and culture.
Assists and empowers clients in carrying out each objective.
Ensures clients have full access to a variety of services and service providers to meet their specific needs.
Assists clients on daily-programmed activities, including the assistance of selling of crafted goods.
Provides coaching, emotional support, and soft skills training for appropriate workplace conduct, such as conflict management, problem-solving skills, and appropriate interactions with other members.
Coordinates with appropriate individuals to provide assistance if a client should get injured or have an accident.
Transports members to and from service treatment center or outside activities.
Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending seminars, educational workshops, classes and conferences; reviewing professional publications establishing networks; participating in professional societies; conferring with representatives of contracting agencies and related organizations.
Contributes to a team effort.
Performs other job related duties as assigned.