Respite Peer Support Specialist

Hiring for 3rd shift and an as needed position

Who We Are:

Promise Resource Network (PRN) is a trauma survivor-led non-profit that utilizes the wisdom of lived recovery experience to foster healing, ignite system change and advance social justice.  PRN’s team of recovery inspirers are survivors of suicide attempts, psychiatric hospitalization, substance use, incarceration, domestic violence and homelessness.  We utilize our experiences of reclaiming our wellness to support others to heal and recover while also activating policy and practice change so that systems and services are re-designed to expect wellness rather than perpetuate illness identities.

What is a Peer-Run Respite?:

A Peer-Run Respites is not a brand new idea. In fact, PRN’s Retreat at the Plaza is number 41 in the United States. It is a voluntary, compassionate alternative to involuntary commitment, emergency department/inpatient mental health services, and/or incarceration when someone is experiencing emotional distress, mental health related crisis, thoughts of suicide, and/or thoughts of self-injury. The Retreat at the Plaza was created for, by, and with the voices of the individuals most impacted by the traditional mental health system who collectively share how an environment designed for healing looks and feels. Each Respite guest shapes what their “Retreat” looks like, and can still engage in community and daily life without disruption. Here is a link to a video created by Afyia, a Peer-Run Respite in Massachusetts, that PRN modeled their Respite after: Afiya House (full version)

Respite Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) Position Overview:

Peer Support Specialists (CPSS) are people who have been successful in their healing and recovery process and support others experiencing similar situations. They self-identify as a person with life experience of mental health and/or substance use challenges and are well established in their own recovery pathway. Peer Supporters honor that each person is an expert in their own life and there are many wellness pathways.  Through shared understanding, respect, and mutuality, the Respite CPSS invites guests to engage in their self-identified recovery process and wellness tools to promote healing, resilience, and wellness.  Peer Supporters do not assess, diagnose, label, give advice, or tell people what to do and how to do it, rather use their lived experiences and a survivor lens to walk with Respite guests as they work through distress and crises in ways that feel helpful to that individual and without fear of being forced into utilizing traditional options.

Who You Are:

PRN is seeking diverse people with diverse experiences to grow an environment that is designed for trauma healing and resilience.  As such:

• You are someone that has worked diligently on your healing and resilience after experiencing trauma, navigating mental health crises, suicide attempts, and/or psychiatric hospitalizations, and are looking to walk with others as they face similar challenges
• You are Heart-led, well-established in your own recovery and healing, and you understand the impacts of trauma, systemic racism, oppression, poverty, and harm in the name of treatment
• You know what it's like to feel marginalized and due to your own experience of oppression, trauma and retraumatization, are committed to supporting alternatives to hospitalization
• You are willing to have mutual partnerships with others in distress as they navigate through barriers, challenges, and design what wellness and recovery looks like to them
• You are a survivor/thriver who wants to participate in creating a healing and zen environment for all in the space
• You recognize that there are various pathways to working through challenges and wellness, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach
• You are open to the idea that what has worked for you may not work for others, and that is okay
• You are comfortable in a space where others are experiencing crises and you are able to offer support and respond quickly with compassion
• While you may be new to peer support, you share a passion for walking with and empowering others in their recovery, particularly in crisis work
• You are empathic and are interested in collaborating, growing, unlearning, and learning as an individual, with a team, and with the individuals you are supporting
• You are self-motivated, willing to jump in, not afraid to ask questions or learn through mistakes, and willing to engage in difficult conversations
• You are passionate about creating and maintaining an environment and experience that would have been helpful if a Peer-Run Respite were an option when you were experiencing distress/crisis
• You are creative… you may be a musician, poet, yogi, artist and you are willing to share your talents and creativity with others

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Provide in person peer support to all respite guests
• Share in creating out of the box ideas, such as a sensory room, to support guest wellness toolbox options
• Clean/sanitize guest rooms, bathrooms, and entire Respite space after guests check out, routine spot cleaning as needed, and washing, drying, and organizing of towels/linens
• Open to learning or receiving coaching around job-related technology, such as Microsoft programs, Google drives, Zoom, etc…
• Engage in advocacy and supporting guests in developing self-advocacy skills, connect guests to resources,
• Support guests around all 8 dimensions of wellness.
• Use creativity and create opportunities to explore various wellness tools with individuals, such as Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP), intentional community activities, intentional Respite space activities, and activities specific to guests that they identify they want to engage in.
• Use CPSS skills of asking curious questions, using active listening, partnering with individuals while engaging in peer support with guests, answering calls of interested guests, scheduling and providing tours of the space with potential guests, and checking guests in and out.
• Use effective communication with their team members and the larger PRN team, be responsible to provide limited documentation, and
• Support any and all current guests in creating a space that feels safe, healing, and supportive throughout their stays.
• Participate in shared decision-making with the team
• Engage in daily, shift exchange with oncoming shift prior to new shift starting
• Attend and participate in weekly, zoom, team meetings
• Attend and participate in Organization and Respite program team building events
• Attend internal and external training opportunities for professional growth and development provided by PRN
• Engage and participate in regular supervisions with supervisors
• Provide real time information to Respite leadership for reporting purposes
• Attend and participate in larger PRN team meetings when possible
• Modeling and maintaining personal recovery and wellness journey
• Support Warmline Team with responding to calls if/when needed

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $17.61 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Night shift

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Charlotte, NC 28205: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Experience:

• Peer support: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

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