Position Description
A Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS) is an individual with lived experience in recovery from substance use, problem gambling, mental health and/or other co-occurring disorders. Peers use their recovery experience to provide support and hope to individuals working through their own recovery.
Supervision Exercised
Exercises no supervision
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Assist clients in developing and working toward individualized recovery goals and wellness plans.
- Offer encouragement, motivation, and advocacy to support sustained recovery.
- Share recovery resources, coping strategies, and community supports.
- Conduct appropriate and respectful client interactions while maintaining professional boundaries.
- Support clients in navigating systems such as courts, treatment providers, housing, employment, and social services.
- Accompany clients to appointments, meetings, or court (as appropriate) to provide support and guidance.
- Facilitate or co-facilitate recovery groups, workshops, or educational sessions.
- Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams (e.g., court staff, case managers, clinicians).
- Communicate client progress, concerns, and needs in a professional and timely manner.
- Participate in Veteran Treatment Court team meetings, staffing, and case consultations.
- Seek further training and knowledge in behavioral health to remain current with standards of care.
- Adhere to all care standards as related to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
- Utilize supervision to address challenges, boundaries, and personal triggers.
- Maintain certification requirements.
- Perform other duties as required for the position.
Additional Expectations
- Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and professionalism.
- Maintain appropriate boundaries while using lived experience ethically and effectively.
- Contribute to a positive, respectful team and client environment.
Job Competencies
Knowledge of
- General purpose and function of Specialty/Treatment Courts.
- Basic functions and structure of the criminal justice system.
- Applicable federal, state, and local regulatory laws and regulations, including established professional standards.
- Court and rehabilitation terminology.
- Community resources for behavioral health-related issues.
- Behavioral (psychological, emotional, and social) needs.
- Living with and managing a mental illness and/or a co-occurring disorder.
- Self-help skills required for managing a mental illness, including taking responsibility for one’s own actions, following a treatment plan, and self-recognition of symptoms related to illness.
- Correct English usage, both verbal and written.
Ability to
- Learn the DCCM (Drug Court Case Management) records management system.
- Analyze problems, devise solutions, and make sound decisions.
- Establish and maintain cooperative/effective work relationships with participants, partners, professionals, and the public.
- Plan, organize, and express ideas clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Represent the organization in a professional manner, building respect and confidence.
- Handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
- Obtain the State of Nevada Peer Recovery Support Specialist certification within 90-days of hire. Requirements for this certification are available on the Nevada Certification Board website at https://nevadacertboard.org.
Skills to
- Operate personal computers and use computer software.
- Listen and respond appropriately in routine interactions.
- Maintain client confidentiality.
Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or GED and one year experience of mental health advocacy including peer recovery support, and addictive and mental health treatment, or a combination of education and experience.
Preferred
-
State of Nevada Peer Recovery Support Specialist Certification.
-
Military experience.
