Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialist

Come join our team at Seldovia Village Tribe (SVT)!

This position is based in Homer with some day trips to Seldovia.

We are looking for a BH Peer Support Specialist to provide support services as part of a multi-disciplinary team that cares for patients with mental health and/or substance abuse problems. Peer support professionals deliver behavioral health-oriented support services, within an organization and under supervision, to individuals who have lived experiences similar to their own. Through shared understanding, respect and mutual empowerment, peer support professionals help people become and stay engaged and reduce the likelihood of relapse. Peer support professionals share portions of their own recovery experience in an appropriate and effective manner and walk alongside peers in their recovery journey.

Type of Employment: In-person, not a remote position

Hours:  Full-time, 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday

Salary Range: $20 to $25 per hour, depending on experience

What You'll Do:

Assist patients in initiating and maintaining recovery, helping to enhance the quality of personal and family life.

This position may meet with individuals who need flexibility and cannot meet clinical scheduling expectations due to homelessness, active substance abuse, etc.

This may require off-site support for patients, including meeting them at local support group meetings.

This position supports patients working towards recovery with applications, skill building, advocacy, support and accessing any additional resources or programs they may need.

Peer Support Specialists tell their story and how they were able to work with different health care providers, agencies, and resources to obtain a healthy recovery. Through those life experiences, this position offers suggestions, feedback, and guidance on services and on possible obstacles or triggers to avoid when seeking help.

Connect patients to resources and services in the community for their identified needs (food bank, housing assistance, medical appointments, groups, assistance in completing forms, liaising with community organizations, and providing community education).

Provide non-clinical support for long-term recovery from substance use disorders.

At any point in time, this position may refer patients to any of one of the following positons such as medical providers, PHMNP, BHA, LCSW/LPC, or CDC/Health Coach when patients express readiness and ability to engage.

Assist the BH team to accomplish administrative care coordination tasks for BH (mental health and SUD patients).

Perform other duties as assigned

Be able to travel as needed to other communities including to and from Homer / Seldovia by small airplane and sometimes by boat when airplanes are on weather hold. Travel is a day trip, but inclement weather may require an overnight stay.

Must be able to successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and a pre-employment background check including fingerprinting.

What You'll Need: 

High school diploma or equivalent is required

Work experience within a behavioral health (mental health and/or substance abuse) organization is preferred.

Awareness of the importance of recovery in living with a mental illness or an addiction problem. Must have lived experience in recovery from substance use disorders and/or mental health challenges

Demonstrate low-stress behavior in words and actions. Ability to work well with others.

Be comfortable with conducting meetings both in person and virtually.

Be proficient in Microsoft Office products and Zoom.

Comply with, observe and maintain strict confidentiality standards in compliance with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 laws and regulations.

What You'll Get:

11 Paid Holidays per year

12 Days of Sick Leave per year

15 days (3 weeks) of Annual Leave per year (starting accrual, more days with more years of service)

FEHB (Federal Employees Health Benefits) - Health Insurance, a variety of plans to choose from. We pay 100% of employees monthly health insurance premiums! And we pay 50% of the monthly premiums for your spouse and/or children. Insurance is effective the first day of the pay period after we receive your enrollment form.

Dental and Vision insurance available on the first of the month following 90 days of employment.

Group life insurance, minimum benefit is $50,000 and up to 2x your annual salary. Maximum of $250K life insurance.

Long term disability insurance

Employer matching 401K, 5% match, effective January 1 or July 1, following one year of employment.

Wellness Incentive Program, up to $300 per calendar year for full-time employees, or $150 for part-time employees, effective after 90 days of employment. Examples of items that can be reimbursed are walking/running shoes, active wear, exercise equipment, gym membership, CSA food boxes and more!

About Us:

Seldovia Village Tribe (SVT) promotes the wellness of our people and communities through healthcare, social services, economic development, education, and cultural enrichment. SVT is a federally recognized Tribe that serves everyone - both Native and non-Native - in the communities of the South Kenai Peninsula, from Seldovia and beyond, including Homer and Anchor Point. 

Contact Us:

If you have any questions, or would like further information, please contact Tara at 907-435-3217 or email [email protected].