Peer Recovery Support Specialist

Responsible to: Certified Recovery Specialist Supervisor

Job Summary: The Peer Recovery Support Specialist will play a pivotal role as a mentor, advocate, and motivator for individuals in recovery from substance use disorders. By embodying respect for diverse recovery pathways, this role aims to prevent relapse and foster sustained long-term recovery. The specialists will utilize their own recovery journey as a tool to build authentic peer-to-peer relationships, address immediate recovery needs, and provide ongoing support to clients. Advocacy for clients' rights and the reduction of associated stigma will also be central to this position. Additionally, the specialist will assist with the daily operations of the Drop-in Center, plan and implement recovery supportive activities, and participate in outreach efforts to build participant recruitment and awareness.

Job Status: Full-Time, Exempt Primary

Functions:

1. Serve as a role model and mentor for individuals in recovery, offering support and guidance to prevent relapse and promote sustained recovery.

2. Advocate for clients' rights and work towards reducing stigma associated with substance use disorders.

3. Develop and maintain authentic peer-to-peer relationships with clients, fostering trust and rapport.

4. Address immediate recovery-linked needs, providing practical assistance and resources as necessary.

5. Assist with the daily operations of the Drop-in Center; assist with maintaining proper coverage during the hours of operations to ensure safety.

6. Plan, organize, and implement recovery supportive activities, maintaining an updated monthly calendar of events.

7. Assist with outreach efforts to build participant recruitment and awareness.

8. Utilize personal recovery experiences to connect with clients and offer insights into the recovery process.

9. Maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical standards in all interactions with clients.

10. Collaborate with other healthcare professionals and community resources to ensure comprehensive support for clients.

11. Participate in ongoing training and professional development activities to enhance skills and knowledge in peer recovery support.

12. Attends and participates in supervision meetings weekly.

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, and ABILITIES:

1. Demonstrated leadership abilities, including initiative.

2. Recovery knowledge and skills

3. Excellent verbal and written communication skills

4. Demonstrated ability to utilize data in guiding and supporting practice.

5. Demonstrates a professional demeanor.

6. Ability to work as part of a team and across teams in a collaborative manner.

7. Ability to navigate organizational structure and systems.

8. Ability to work across settings/physical sites.

9. Ability and eagerness to learn necessary administrative and business components to support practice management, process improvement, hiring, and performance management.

10. Able to work in less well-defined or structured situations and comfortable with ambiguity and change.

11. Demonstrated ability as a systems thinker and problem solver.

WORKING CONDITIONS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, sit; and walk; use hands; reach with hands and arms; the employee must occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Proper diction and command of the English language is required. Individuals must be able to exercise independent thinking and good judgment under all circumstances.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Lived experience with substance use disorder and a minimum of 2 years in sustained recovery.

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trusting relationships and communicate effectively.

• Empathetic and nonjudgmental attitude towards individuals in various stages of recovery.

• Knowledge of recovery support principles and the ability to apply them in practical settings.

• Understanding of client advocacy and commitment to promoting clients' rights.

• Familiarity with harm reduction techniques and understanding that individuals have the right to choose their own path to recovery.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

• Familiarity with community resources and support networks for individuals in recovery.

• Certification or willingness to pursue certification as a Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS) may be required.

ADA Disclaimer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Accommodation are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Please contact to request accommodation. This job description reflects the assignment of essential and other responsibilities of this position; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.