Certified Peer Substance Abuse Support Specialist

The Peer Substance Abuse Support Specialist-Certified (PSASS- C) serves as a client advocate and system navigator. The PSASS-C helps the peer remove personal and environmental obstacles to healthcare access while addressing social determinants of health, including housing and employment. The PSASS-C provides a set of non-clinical activities that engage, educate and offer support to individuals, their family members, and caregivers to connect them to prevention, diagnosis, timely treatment, and follow-up.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

1. Provides one-on-one service for each assigned patient, with at least monthly contact or more for those needing additional support.
2. Acts as a system navigator, providing patients with the necessary tools and support to meet basic needs and patients are engaged in their care.
3. Provides accurate and timely documentation, billing, and program audit support.
4. Supports the organization as needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

1. Knowledge of the cultural, social, and economic backgrounds of the populations served and ability to work with a diverse population.
2. Knowledge of substance abuse issues of the populations served.
3. Courteous, honest, and professional at all times.
4. Excellent communication skills relate well with patients, providers, agency staff, and service contacts.
5. Ability to accomplish the quality and quantity of work expected within set cost and time limits.
6. Exhibits enthusiasm, respect, adaptability, flexibility, and spirit of cooperation in the work environment
7. Maintains appropriate professional standards and provides appropriate follow-up for consumers.
8. Provide linkage to self-help recovery services (i.e., WRAP, Pathways to Recovery, etc.)
9. Timely response to phone calls, e-mails, and other requests.
10. Participates in team meetings and planned activities.
11. Must be able to work with confidential material without betraying the trust of patients, families, or the agency- in accordance with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 regulations and agency policies.
12. Familiarity with Microsoft Office and EHR.
13. Excellent customer service skills.

Qualifications

1. A high school diploma or GED is required.
2. Candidate must have completed a Certified Peer Support Specialist training with active certification through an AHCCCS-approved training program.
3. Personal history as a consumer of target services is required.
4. Must be in stable recovery to include maintenance services, such as community support meetings or ongoing contact with sponsor/sober supports.

Standard Employment Requirements: 

1. Must possess a valid and unrestricted Arizona driver’s license (within 30 days of hire if applicant is from out-of-state) with no DUI/DWI or reckless driving convictions in the last five years. No more than two at-fault accidents in the last three years. Must maintain a valid Arizona driver’s license during employment. Must be insurable under NATIVE HEALTH’s liability auto policy.
2. Must pass a criminal background check and obtain a Class I Fingerprint Clearance Card within the initial ninety (90) calendar days of employment and retain a valid card while employed with NATIVE HEALTH.
3. Must pass substance abuse testing upon employment and submit to random testing during employment.
4. Must provide an updated immunization (IZ) record at the time of employment.
5. Must have a current (within 12 months) Tuberculosis (TB) skin report upon employment and provide an annual update.
6. Must obtain Basic Life Support (BLS) certification within (90) calendar days of employment and maintain certification during employment.

Additional Information

Native Health complies with all state and federal requirements, including EEOC requirements.