Peer Support Specialist - Recovery Coach- VOCA Program at Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Hartford

POSITION SUMMARY

The Victim of Crimes Act (VOCA) Program offers clinical and case management support to victims of crime in the state of Connecticut.  Participants in the VOCA program are eligible to receive support during a time where they are the most vulnerable, and the Peer Support Specialist role with Catholic Charities plays an integral part in connecting with victims and providing strengths-based, solution focused care.

Utilizing evidence-based interventions including Intentional Peer Support and WRAP approaches, this role will focus on developing strong working relationships with clients.   Through groups and individual meetings, peers are able to develop a clients’ self-awareness and understanding of relational patterns.  This promotes a safe environment in which a client becomes empowered to move forward, regain trust, and improve their functioning after the trauma of victimization.  

GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Using the Intentional Peer Support model, fosters strong working relationships with clients to develop a partnership from which to approach goals and process trauma.  
• Serves as a resource to clients seeking information. Offers relevant information and materials to consumers as appropriate. Maintains an active interest in helping clients. 
• Utilizes Wellness Action Recovery Plans (WRAP) to develop the “Wellness Toolbox” for clients to recover from victimization and subsequent trauma. 
• Has a commitment to personal recovery and maintained such for a period of at least one year, and is willing to share about their recovery in a therapeutic way to connect with clients.
• Facilitates peer recovery groups using the WRAP model at the agency and in the community. Connects client with other appropriate peer supports and community-based services, as needed. 
• Provides functional assessment and case management services as developed in the recovery plan, including but not limited to: information and referral, personal advocacy, housing services, criminal justice assistance, and emotional support.

• Conduct outreach visits to community sites and client homes, as needed, to engage client and provide services.

• Provides clients with assistance in completing victim’s compensation claims; accompanies client to court proceedings; works with Victim Advocate to protect the victim from additional trauma during court proceedings. 
• In collaboration with the Project Director/Clinical Supervisor and client, carries out a safety plan to protect the victim from harm; works with domestic violence shelters for temporary placement of the victim. 
• In collaboration with the Project Director/Clinical Supervisor, identifies and refers clients in need of clinical support to clinicians trained in EMDR
• Other duties as assigned 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Credential from Peer Recovery Certification training or relevant crime victimization life experience that qualifies the individual for the position.  
• Recovery from victimization from trauma/crimes for a minimum period of one year.
• Ability to actively participate in leadership role in recovery activities.
• Willingness to establish supportive and respectful rapport with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, including but not limited to clientele, clinical staff, court and police staff, administrative staff and team members.
• Willingness and ability to work supportively and effectively within a team setting
• Initiative to proceed without direct supervision and utilize training effectively.
• Maturity and dependability.
• Ability to follow organizational guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to uphold complete consumer confidentiality.
• Ability to provide empathic communication and maintain appropriate boundaries.
• Ability to provide outreach to bring awareness to the community, courts, policy and victim advocates about the program.

• Working knowledge of Microsoft programs, notably Word, Excel and Outlook; ability to document services in an Electronic Clinical Record.  
• Spanish speaking preferred
• Bachelor’s degree a plus. 

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

 Catholic Charities offers access to a comprehensive array of benefits, including:
For Good Health: Medical, Prescription, Dental and Vision insurance
For a Secure Future: Life, AD&D and Long-term disability insurance
For Retirement: 403(b) Plan, with employer matching contributions for eligible employees
For Career Advancement: Training and development opportunities and for Licensed Clinicians ability to apply for the education Loan Forgiveness Program under The National Services Health Corp.
For Work Life Balance: Generous paid time off; including vacation and sick time.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Free and confidential counseling

Catholic Charities Inc., Archdiocese of Hartford is in compliance with all applicable discrimination laws. All hiring, promoting, and transferring is done on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to membership in any protected class. EEO/ AA/ M-F/ VET/ DISABLED.