Methadone Mobile Unit - Peer Support Specialist

POSITION TITLE: Methadone Mobile Unit - Peer Support Specialist
DEPARTMENT: Health and Human Services (HHS) – Opioid Treatment Program (OTP)
LOCATION: Vancouver, WA (onsite)
REPORTS TO: Clinic Director
STATUS: Hourly, fulltime
WAGE RANGE: $29.90 - 34.35 per hour

Close Date: Open until filled

***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered a preference in hiring, please upload documentation with your resume and cover letter. Acceptable documentation includes Tribal Enrollment card, a letter from your Tribe stating your enrollment, or BIA 4432 and/or DD214.***

Position Summary:

Supports patients in their recovery journey by offering empathy, encouragement, and connection to essential resources within a mobile opioid treatment program (OTP) setting. This role utilizes lived experience or a deep understanding of substance use recovery to engage patients in a dignified, person-centered manner. The Peer Support Specialist operates in community-based and mobile environments, helping reduce barriers to care, improve engagement, and promote recovery-oriented outcomes.

This position adheres to all confidentiality requirements, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, and upholds the mission, vision, and values of the organization.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Patient Engagement & Support
  • Provides peer-based support, encouragement, and advocacy to patients in recovery.
  • Builds trusting relationships with patients through shared understanding, respect, and nonjudgmental communication.
  • Engages patients in services within the mobile unit and community settings to support ongoing participation in treatment.
  • Assist patients in identifying recovery goals and connecting those goals to available services and supports.
  • Serves as a recovery role model, demonstrating hope and resilience.

2. Care Coordination & Resource Navigation

• • Maintains daily availability to assist patients with accessing critical resources and referrals.
  • Connects patients to housing, transportation, primary care, behavioral health, and social services.
  • Coordinates with community agencies, tribal programs, and service providers to support continuity of care.
  • Maintains a current and comprehensive knowledge of community resources.
  • Develops and maintains resource guides for use in patient referrals.

3. Mobile Unit & Community-Based Work

• Provides services in a mobile clinic environment, including outreach in community settings.
• Participates in outreach activities such as health fairs, community events, and engagement efforts targeting underserved populations.
• Supports engagement of patients who may be hesitant or ambivalent about treatment.

4. Administrative & Documentation Support

• Assists with basic patient engagement workflows such as check-in support, scheduling coordination, and tracking attendance as appropriate.
• Documents peer interactions and services in the electronic health record (EHR) in accordance with organizational standards.
• Supports communication between patients and care team members.
• Participates in staff meetings and interdisciplinary team collaboration.

5. Advocacy & Team Collaboration

• Acts as an advocate for patients and families within the care team.
• Collaborates effectively with counselors, medical providers, case managers, and administrative staff.
• Promotes a team-based, respectful, and recovery-oriented care environment.

6. Professional Conduct & Compliance

• Maintains strict confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2.
• Adheres to ethical guidelines and peer support scope of practice.
• Completes all required trainings and competencies.
• Participates in ongoing professional development and supervision.
• Adapts to evolving workflows, safety protocols, and mobile service delivery needs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of substance use recovery principles and recovery-oriented systems of care.
• Understanding of community resources and social service systems.
• Ability to engage individuals from diverse cultural, social, and economic backgrounds.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to listen empathetically and build trust.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries while using lived experience appropriately.
• Ability to work independently in mobile and community-based settings.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to maintain accurate and timely documentation.
• Basic computer skills, including use of electronic health records and communication tools.
• Ability to remain calm, flexible, and solution-focused in high-stress environments.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Certified Peer Support Specialist licensed in the state of Washington. Must possess and maintain a current, unrestricted Washington State license or credential applicable to the position.
• Lived experience with substance use recovery or strong understanding of recovery principles.
• One (1) year of experience in behavioral health, social services, or peer support preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel for mobile unit services.
• Must be able to pass background screening in accordance with organizational and regulatory requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in an OTP or substance use disorder treatment setting.
• Experience in outreach, community engagement, or mobile service delivery.
• Familiarity with Medicaid systems and community-based resources.

Physical Demands

• Frequent standing, walking, sitting, bending, and reaching.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks and use standard office equipment.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person and via phone.

Work Environment

• Work is performed in a mobile clinic, community settings, and occasional office environments.
• Exposure to outdoor conditions, varying weather, and community-based environments.
• May encounter individuals in distress or crisis situations.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required.

Background Investigation Requirements:

• Pre-employment drug screening.
• Reference, education, and employment verification.
• Criminal background and sanction checks as required by federal, state, and/or tribal regulations.
• Has not been found guilty of, charged with, received a deferred sentence, received a conditional discharge of, or entered a plea of not contest to, or entered a plea of guilty to any one felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence, sexual assault, molestation, exploitation or sexual contact; prostitution; or crimes committed against person(s) or children.

Tribal preference in accordance with Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and CIT Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook shall apply to all positions. All positions are required to adhere to CIT’s established safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE).