Certified Peer Support Worker

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES: 

1. Provide peer support to Veterans and family members  

Measures of Success  

1. Will act as a guide for clients entering services at Paws and Stripes. Greets clients and guests and establishes rapport with new applicants and established clients.  

2. Hosts weekly drop-in hours and a minimum of 3 structured appointment times daily to support a variety of Veterans and family members seeking peer support services. 

3. Tracks peer interactions and logs engagement notes within 48 hours of contact into Charity Tracker software system. 

4. Will work in conjunction with the Programs team to facilitate a positive support structure for clients 

5. Oversees the use of the Veteran Recreation room and encourages ongoing client utilization as a fun and safe space to engagement with peers at Paws and Stripes. 

6. Conducts research on existing peer support activities in the Veteran community and identifies needs and gaps in existing resources in the state of New Mexico. 

7. Holds 2-5 regular peer-led activities and groups per quarter and attends different Paws and Stripes group sessions and workshops each month. 

2. Responsible for enrollment through the maintenance, efficiency, and continuous processing of program applications for Veterans and family members in all Paws and Stripes’ programs.  

Measures of Success  

1. Serve as first point of contact for applicants and clients entering services – responding to new applicants within 5 business days 

2. Assists applicants in navigation of application process and program requirements  

3. Maintains accurate and up-to-date enrollment files for 100% of program applicants 

4. Update record keeping software as needed- i.e. completes enrollment documentation and peer support interactions into Charity Tracker system within 3 business days of status changes. 

5. Establish and maintain relationships with past, current, and future clients of Paws and Stripes programs, including at least one monthly check in with all active clients. 

6. Assist Director of Programs with maintenance of alumni database 

7. Promotes Paws and Stripes programs and services and supports Case Manager in outreach efforts as needed 

3. Maintain competencies outlined in the CPSW manual for education and certification process  

Measures of Success 

1. Maintaining client case files regarding progress, engagements, referrals, and additional services  

2. Stays up to date on needs of Veteran community and locally available resources. Works closely with Case Manager to maintain relationships with other Veteran Serving Organizations (VSOs) and to maintain quality referrals.  

3. Engage regularly with the Veteran Advisory Committee and communicates client feedback and peer trends to the program team. 

4. Obtains and maintains CPSW certification and completes continuing education as needed 

4. Other peer-related and community outreach duties as assigned  

Measures of Success 

1. Obtain a Q.P.R. teaching certification to provide Suicide Prevention Education trainings throughout the community. 

This may include supporting new initiatives, presenting at public events, assisting with holiday programming, and filling in on program duties as needed. 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 

• CPSW certified (active and in good standing) or willingness to get certified within 90 days of hire. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 

• Ability to prepare clear, concise, and accurate reports, correspondence, and other job-related documents for various audiences 

• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. 

• Ability to maintain professionalism and adhere to strict standards of confidentiality 

• Ability to work independently and complete tasks in a timely and efficient manner 

• Ability to work effectively and communicate appropriately with team members, clients, colleagues, volunteers, donors, and all constituents of the organization 

• Skill to gather, analyze and interpret data 

• Ability to learn Microsoft Office 365 

• Excellent organizational skills 

• Conflict Resolution 

• Case Management experience a plus 

• Veteran status is a plus 

• High school diploma or equivalent  

• All applicants are required to submit a background check prior to employment  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

• Willingness to work some evenings and weekends although generally within a four day, 40-hour work week. 

• Must be able to operate phones, computers, and other office equipment 

• Works at a desk and computer screen for extended periods of time 

• Must have the ability to write and speak clearly using the English language to convey information and be able to conduct business over the phone and in person 

• Works in a traditional climate-controlled office environment  

• Must have a valid driver’s license 

• Works in a fluid and fast paced environment dealing with a wide variety of challenges, deadlines and diverse employee and client population 

• Be able to occasionally lift thirty (30) pounds