Peer Recovery Specialist

Job Title:  Peer Recovery Specialist (PRS)

Reports To:  Recovery Center

Employee Type: Part Time or Full Time Equivalent – Non-Exempt

Job Description: The Recovery Specialist will work closely with individuals to enhance their ability to engage in and sustain their personal recovery journey. The role involves providing supportive services and linkages to eliminate barriers to recovery and wellness, ensuring long-term recovery retention for participants. The Recovery Specialist will collaborate with participants to identify and connect them to appropriate supportive services through case management and advocacy, leveraging community partnerships. 

The competencies and role of the PRS shall include, but are not limited to the following:

Position Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with individuals to develop a personalized Recovery Plan that includes culturally relevant services, measurable goals, and objectives. The plan should assess strengths, identify barriers, and track progress toward goal attainment.
• Educate individuals on how to effectively navigate treatment, social service, and recovery support systems.
• Provide recovery support services tailored to the individual’s preferences and assessed needs.
• Support individuals through the stages of change, encouraging progress in their recovery journey.
• Assist individuals in accessing recovery support services within the community.
• Complete necessary documentation and paperwork accurately and in a timely manner.
• Serve as a positive role model by sharing personal experiences, hope, and coping skills.
• Build and maintain relationships with individuals to facilitate treatment, engagement and retention.
• Reinforce the belief that recovery is possible, grounded in personal strengths, coping abilities, and available resources.
• Help individuals develop the skills and resources needed to initiate and sustain their recovery.
• Assist individuals in creating and maintaining a social and physical environment conducive to recovery.
• Encourage involvement in the recovery community and promote ongoing participation.
• Empower individuals to make informed, self-determined decisions about their recovery path.
• Provide support through face-to-face sessions and/or phone consultations based on the individual’s preference.
• Collaborate with Associate Peer Services Coordinator and Outreach Coordinator to effectively deliver high-quality recovery support services.
• Attend ongoing training sessions and team meetings.
• Participate in outreach efforts for counties specified in the grant.
• Perform additional tasks as requested by Prevention Links management.

REQUIRED DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• General Requirements:
  • Must be authorized to work in the U.S. and New Jersey.
  • Must be able to speak and write English.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
  • Must possess excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Must be sensitive, flexible, and responsive to gender, race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, religion, age, sexual orientation, or any other special needs as reflected in the ability to communicate with staff and/or clients.
  • Must possess the ability to serve as a representative of Prevention Links, upholding the agency’s expectation of excellence and collaboration.
• Work Environment and Flexibility:
  • Must be able to perform work responsibilities in various locations.
  • Must be available to attend weekend and evening meetings and events as required.
  • Must be able to work both independently and in a team environment.
• Technical Skills:
  • Must be proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and possess basic computer skills. Must utilize the Recovery Data Platform (RDP), Basecamp and any other database provided by Prevention Links.
• Organizational Skills:
  • Must possess the time management skills necessary to organize and manage multiple priorities and tasks.
  • Must maintain an understanding of all programs offered by Prevention Links.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. Job descriptions can be revised and updated periodically to meet the needs of the organization.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: A high school diploma or equivalency required; Associate’s degree is preferred. Lived experience with the guiding principles of recovery. NJ Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) required or obtained within the first 6 months of employment.

TRAVEL: Domestic travel may be required for this position. Local, independent travel is required.

EVENING AND WEEKEND AVAILABILITY: Must be available evenings and weekends as required.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Anti-Harassment Policy

Prevention Links provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Prevention Links complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. 

Prevention Links expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Prevention Links’ employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.