Cultural Peer Support Specialist

Why Join KANA

Kodiak Area Native Association (KANA) is a Tribal health organization committed to elevating the lives of the people we serve. At KANA, employees are more than staff members; they are part of a mission driven team committed to meaningful work, community impact, and long-term growth.

Benefits & Perks

• 401(k) retirement plan with a 7% employer contribution beginning in year two, paid regardless of employee contribution
• Paid Parental Leave
• 80% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Access to 20+ medical plan options through federal OPM benefits
• Employer-paid life insurance at 2.5x annual salary
• AD&D, short-term, and long-term disability coverage
• Generous paid time off and 13 paid holidays
• Free gym membership to the KANA Wellness Center
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition assistance and reimbursement programs
• Leadership development and internal advancement opportunities
• Eligibility for IHS and NHSC loan repayment programs (role dependent)
• Potential temporary housing assistance for relocating employees, based on availability

Position Overview

Cultural Peer Support Specialist is responsible for providing “drop-in” services for individuals needing behavioral health (BH) or other community resources. Provides opportunities for individuals to enhance their own recovery process and encourages the development of a sense of wellness and self-worth.

Key Responsibilities

• Engages individuals who may be at risk and provides stage-appropriate recovery education and supports; engagement largely includes being in community settings rather than office settings, where appropriate.
• Integrates appropriate cultural activities/approaches into practice; establishes cultural approaches as a norm within the Peer Support role; demonstrates cultural humility.
• Acts as a role model to individuals; inspires hope; models and demonstrates coping skills; shares life experiences and lessons learned as a person with lived experience related to both clinical and sub-clinical mental health and/or substance use issues.
• Assists in the orientation process for persons who are new to receiving mental health or medical services.
• Identifies recovering individuals’ abilities, strengths and assets and assist them in recognizing and using them. Supports individuals in identifying their areas of need for treatment services and to communicate these needs to provider staff.
• Facilitates support/self-help groups for individuals with mental health and/or substance abuse concerns and/or health education needs.
• Participates in community-based needs assessments, training, and meetings where appropriate; continuously identify opportunities for partnerships that will enhance Peer Support work.
• Assists individuals in developing and practicing the skills selected and defined on their rehabilitation/treatment plans such as off-site coaching sessions while the individual is attending community appointments, meetings, or participating in activities such as social, leisure, and recreational activities, fostering spiritual connections with faith-based organizations, and participating in 12-Step fellowships, self-help and mutual support groups.
• Introduces and links individuals to community resources outside of the facility to promote community integration, e.g., public transportation training, computer educational/G.E.D. classes, vocational services, health and wellness, banking, and financial entitlements, etc.
• Outreach/accompanies to ensure an individual is making a successful transition to community integration and is continuing their progress toward recovery goals; e.g. individuals discharged after completing residential treatment or being discharged from involuntary commitments.
• Supports the individual in seeking to connect/reconnect with family, friends, significant others and in learning how to improve relationships.
• Receives direction from the BH Clinical Director regarding clinical processes, programming, and expectations; where relevant, engage in clinical supervision with BH Clinical Director or designee.
• Actively participates in team meetings and promotes a recovery perspective as a key component of all discussions; works actively with both BH and Medical providers to identify individuals in need of assistance.
• Completes administrative and clinical documentation in a timely manner in order to maintain program compliance within the guidelines established by Kodiak Area Native Association, State of Alaska, Medicaid and other regulatory agencies.
• Collaborates with BH leadership in areas of program development, model design, and policy.
  Achieves certification as a Peer Support Specialist through the Alaska Commission for Behavioral Health Certification (ACBHC); actively work to complete practicum hours and classes required to qualify at each level of training.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; lived experience and recovery from mental health and/or substance use issues (either personally or exposure via friends/family).
• Peer Support Specialist certification strongly preferred; able to obtain Peer Support Specialist certification within 2 years of hire.
• Completion of an approved program leading to progressive certification as a Peer Support Specialist through the Alaska Commission for Behavioral Health Certification within approved period after hire.
• Alaska driver’s license and ability to operate a vehicle. Ability to travel to town by small plane or boat.

Work Schedule

KANA’s standard work schedule is 37.5 working hours per week, consisting of 7.5 paid working hours per day plus a one-hour unpaid lunch break (8.5 hours on site per day).

Our Values

KANA’s work is guided by Courtesy, Caring, Respect, Sharing, and Pride. We seek leaders who embody these values in how they lead teams, steward resources, and serve the community.

Life In Kodiak

Located on beautiful Kodiak Island, this role offers the opportunity to build meaningful community connections while experiencing Alaska’s unique coastal lifestyle, outdoor recreation, and close-knit community.