PEER RECOVERY SUPPORT COORDINATOR

Peer Recovery Support Coordinator

University of Alabama at Birmingham

The Department of Emergency Medicine is seeking a Peer Recovery Support Coordinator to support its Emergency Department-based Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) program. This position provides recovery support services to patients presenting to the Emergency Department with substance use disorders and assists with connecting patients to Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) and community-based recovery resources. The position works closely with Emergency Medicine providers, nurses, case managers, and program staff to improve patient engagement and recovery outcomes.

General Responsibilities

• To coordinate peer services and provide guidance and support to the Peer Recovery Support Specialists and to serve as a liaison between the Recovery Support Services Team and treatment staff.

• To work with substance abuse and/or other mental health related program participants in groups and/or on a one-on-one basis to provide advocacy and personal coaching/mentoring.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Maintains group and/or individual supportive interaction with participants, their families and social supports. Facilitates recovery support groups as assigned. Assists case managers in directing clients to available resources in the community to promote community integration. Prepares clients for the challenges they will face. Transports clients to various community entities as deemed necessary by case manager or program administrator.

• Coordinates peer services and provides guidance and support to the Peer Recovery Support Specialists and serves as a liaison between the Recovery Support Services team.

• Assists in the orientation process for patients who are new to the substance abuse program or other mental health related programs..

• Maintains group and individual supportive interaction with patients as assigned.

• Informs staffing team, case managers, counselors, program administrators, on patients' strengths, accomplishments and obstacles in relation to their recovery goals.

• Provides education and advocacy within the community and agency that promotes awareness of substance abuse disorders while reducing misconceptions, prejudice and discrimination.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Ability to encourage and persuade people

• Ability to train others

• Ability to mentor others

• Ability to work as part of a team

• Ability to work independently

• Conflict resolution skills

• Interpersonal skills

• Leadership skills

• Written and verbal communication skills

Additional Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one recovery support, advocacy, and mentoring to patients presenting to the Emergency Department with Substance Use Disorders, including Opioid Use Disorder (OUD).

• Collaborate with Emergency Medicine physicians, nurses, social workers, and case management staff to support patient care and recovery planning.

• Assist with identifying, engaging, and linking patients to Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) services and community-based recovery resources.

• Conduct follow-up outreach to encourage patient engagement with recovery services and treatment plans.

• Document patient encounters and recovery support activities in the electronic medical record (EMR) system.

• Participate in departmental meetings, program activities, and grant-related initiatives as required.

• Conduct all activities in accordance with applicable protocols, policies, and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards.

Preferred

• Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) through the Alabama Department of Mental Health or equivalent certification.

• Nationally Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS) preferred.

• Lived experience with successful recovery from opioid addiction strongly preferred.

• Experience working with individuals impacted by Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and substance use disorders.

• Experience in emergency department, healthcare, behavioral health, or community recovery settings preferred.

• Experience documenting services within an electronic medical record (EMR) system preferred.

Hourly Range: $21.00

Education

High School diploma or GED and two (2) years of relevant experience in a peer recovery support environment required.

Licenses / Certifications / Registrations

• Certified or eligible to be certified as a Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) by The Alabama Department of Mental Health 

• OR Certified Peer Support Specialist through FORMLL 

• OR Nationally Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS) by the Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC). 

• NCPRSS preferred. 

• Must obtain certification within one (1) year from date of hire into classification.
   

UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, and veteran's status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB's Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.