Prevention Specialist/Peer Recovery Specialist (2 positions)

**This is a 2 year job based on the grant.**

Position Title: Prevention Recovery Coordinator (PRC)
Department/School: _______________________________
Reports To: _______________________________

1. Objective

The Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership (ARORP) provides two (2) years of funding to support the hiring of a Prevention Recovery Coordinator (PRC) to implement the Prevention Recovery Education Program (PREP). The PREP program focuses on preventing youth drug use, addressing family trauma related to substance use, and mitigating the impacts of the opioid epidemic on students and families.

This position is available to Arkansas public and private school districts that already employ School Resource Officers (SROs) and/or school counselors. ARORP funds cannot be used to support or supplement any SRO position, and the PRC will not serve in any SRO capacity.

1. Role
2. The PRC works in collaboration with School Resource Officers (SROs), school counselors, administrators, and community stakeholders to deliver evidence-based prevention and recovery services to students and families.
3. The PRC provides confidential student support, delivers prevention curriculum, connects families to resources, and strengthens recovery-oriented systems within the school environment.

III. Subordinate Responsibility

The PRC reports to a school administrator, school counselor, EAST instructor, health program coordinator, etc. and works in close coordination with the district’s SRO(s) and/or school counselor(s).

The PRC does not supervise SROs and does not function as an SRO.

1. Qualifications

The PRC must meet all ARORP eligibility requirements:

1. Required Credentials

• Must be an Arkansas Certified Core Level Peer Recovery Specialist (or higher)
  OR
  an Arkansas Associate Preventionist (or higher).

1. Training Requirements

• Must successfully complete the Arkansas Prevention Recovery Training within six (6) months of employment.
• Must maintain their respective prevention and/or recovery certifications.
• Must attend MANDATORY 2-week PREP Training in Little Rock:
• Week 1: July 20–24, 2026 (8 AM–5 PM)
• Week 2: July 27–31, 2026 (8 AM–5 PM)

1. Documentation

• High school diploma/GED.

1. Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Prevention Recovery Coordinator will:

1. Prevention & Education

1. Deliver evidence-based prevention programs addressing opioids, substance use, trauma, and mental health.
2. Partner with educators to integrate prevention strategies into classroom and schoolwide settings.
3. Provide educational programming on opioid misuse, general substance use, bullying, teen dating violence, trauma, and health risks.
4. Develop prevention policies, procedures, and schoolwide strategies.

1. Collaboration & Investigative Support

1. Work closely with SROs and/or counselors to provide comprehensive responses for youth affected by drug use and/or trauma.
2. Assist in non-enforcement roles during overdose investigations impacting students or families.
3. Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings as required.

1. Student Support & Recovery Services

1. Provide confidential, individualized meetings with students to offer guidance, support, and resources.
2. Support students through all phases of recovery and wellness—engagement, stabilization, maintenance.
3. Serve as a mentor, advocate, and motivator for students.
4. Assist students in developing individualized Prevention Recovery Plans.
5. Maintain strict confidentiality and mandatory reporting compliance.
6. Host meetings to assist students who are in recovery.

1. Resource Navigation

1. Coordinate aftercare services with school administration.
2. Connect students and families to community-based resources such as:

• mental health services
• recovery programs
• trauma support
• peer support
• educational/vocational programs

1. Work with the Regional Prevention Provider to administer the Arkansas Prevention Needs Assessment (APNA) each program year.

1. Data, Reporting & Evaluation

1. Track and document services, challenges, and outcomes using ARORP-approved systems.
2. Submit all required reports and data on schedule.
3. Participate in program evaluations and sustainability planning.
4. Support the district’s requirement to participate in APNA for continued funding compliance.

1. Coalition Building & Community Engagement

1. Develop or strengthen a Opioid Misuse Prevention Coalition within the school community, focused on opioids.
2. Coordinate outreach events, trainings, surveys, and community conversations.
3. Build partnerships with community organizations, healthcare providers, and recovery groups.

1. Other Duties

1. Perform additional duties as requested by the school administration or ARORP.
2. Uphold all ethical guidelines and mandated reporting protocols.

1. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

The PRC must demonstrate:

Knowledge of:

• Substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery systems
• Trauma-informed practices
• Adolescent development
• School operations and safety protocols
• Community training opportunities and resources
• Evidence-based prevention curricula

Skills in:

• Relationship building
• Effective communication and presentations
• Data collection and documentation
• Crisis response (non-law enforcement)
• Observing and interpreting behavior
• Operating computers and office technologies

Abilities to:

• Maintain confidentiality under all circumstances
• Support diverse pathways to prevention and recovery
• Mentor and motivate youth compassionately
• Identify barriers and help students overcome them
• Work independently with minimal supervision
• Collaborate across systems (schools, law enforcement, health services)

VII. Principal Working Relationships

The PRC works closely with:

• School Resource Officers
• School Counselors
• School administrators and educators
• Students and families
• Mental health, recovery, and prevention professionals
• Community partners and stakeholders
• ARORP staff
• Regional Prevention Providers

VIII. Additional ARORP Funding Compliance Requirements

To maintain funding eligibility:

1. The district must already employ SRO(s) and/or school counselors.
2. ARORP funds cannot support any SRO position.
3. The PRC cannot function in any SRO capacity.
4. The school or district must have previously administered the APNA.
5. The district must present a sustainability plan for continuing the program after funding ends.
6. Complete all reporting requirements.