Peer Expungement Specialist

JOB TITLE:   Peer Expungement Specialist
DIRECT SUPERVISOR: Development Director
SALARY: $18/hour
STATUS: Part-time (10 hours per week)

Due to the nature of the grant funding for this position, it will be limited to one year of employment. 

OUR MISSION:  

USARA’s mission is to connect and inspire communities to advocate for addiction recovery. We envision a Utah where recovery community and connection are recognized as the most valuable assets for people to recover from addiction.

GENERAL OVERVIEW OF ROLE

A USARA Peer Expungement Specialist is a non-clinical, Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS), working under supervision from the Development Director.  Peer Expungement Specialists will work in partnership with other USARA team members and Utah’s Clean Slate coalition to provide direct expungement navigation and support to individuals who need assistance with criminal record clearance. The primary role of the Peer Expungement Specialist is to use their knowledge, training, skills & own lived experience in recovery to provide support and encouragement to people with records, help them understand Utah’s Expungement process and their potential eligibility for relief, navigate next steps, and obtain a criminal record expungement, wherever possible.  

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES 

  • Adhere to Utah Peer Support Specialist Code of Ethics & CPSS Core Competencies.
  • Understand and be able to explain Utah’s Expungement process (training will be provided), including basic eligibility criteria and record clearing process; 
  • Understand and be able to explain the impact of Utah’s Clean Slate law and the criteria for automatic expungement; 
  • Answer incoming phone calls and emails, and provide assistance to individuals interacting with Utah’s Clean Slate website; 
  • Provide information about Utah’s expungement landscape and process, and help clients determine eligibility and next steps;  
  • Assist individuals eligible for an expungement with court paperwork and filing; 
  • Establish regular contact with individuals who need additional help with record clearance, either in person or by phone. Establish rapport by using Active Listening skills & shared lived-experience.
  • Have an ability to maintain appropriate boundaries with participants. 
  • Link participants & family members to appropriate community based free or low cost legal resources.
  • Provide awareness & education on the barriers of a criminal record and the benefits of criminal record expungement; 
  • Accurately log data, client contacts, and outcomes in a timely manner; 
  • Assist participants in identifying other barriers & potential supports to critical/essential needs.
  • Other responsibilities as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

  • Minimum 2 years active recovery, & comfortable sharing recovery experience
  • Certification as a Certified Peer Support Specialist/Peer Coach from an approved curriculum (will send to training if needed)
  • Familiar with Motivational Interviewing techniques (will train if needed)
    • Ability to keep and maintain a flexible work schedule 
    • Must be a self-starter and internally motivated to achieve team and/or individual objectives 
    • Efficiency at prioritizing tasks to ensure compliance with reporting requirements, data entry accuracy
  • Valid Driver’s license and private licensed & registered vehicle 
  • Strong Internet & Computer Navigation skills with a moderate proficiency in MS Office Suite 
  • Excellent Interpersonal skills, including verbal & written communication 
  • Strong values based in work ethic and recovery-oriented principles 
  • Event planning experience in social/community events & service projects (preferred) 
  • Current knowledge of, and ability to navigate community resources 
  • Understanding of, & ability to maintain appropriate boundaries
  • Collaborate with USARA colleagues to build & establish community connections  

Education

  • High School Diploma or equivalent

Equal Opportunity Statement

USARA is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities, and all other employment laws and regulations. It is our intent to maintain a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of age (40 and older), race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), veteran status, uniformed servicemember status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. The Organization is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy in regard to all aspects of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, and other compensation, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.

How to apply: Email USARA job application, resume, cover letter, and three professional references to Human Resources at jobs@myusara.com.