Outpatient Peer Support Specialist

About the role

Peer Support Specialists (PSS) are individuals with lived experience in recovery from substance use disorders who provide support to clients in outpatient SUD treatment programs.

Responsibilities

• Provide peer-based recovery support services to individuals in outpatient SUD treatment programs.
• Aid clients in accessing, engaging in, and maintaining treatment, recognizing and honoring multiple pathways to recovery.
• Build supportive relationships through empathy, active listening, and shared lived experience.
• Encourage clients to set and achieve recovery goals, promote self-advocacy, and assist in developing practical life skills.
• Facilitate engagement in treatment activities, recovery groups, and supportive services.
• Offer recovery coaching and mentoring that reinforces hope, resilience, and long-term recovery.
• Help clients identify and access community resources that support recovery, wellness, and other aspects of life.
• Maintain professional boundaries and protect client confidentiality.
• Collaborate with counselors, case managers, medical staff, and other treatment team members to support coordinated care.
• Document peer support activities and assist with data tracking.
• Respond flexibly to changing client needs with creativity and effective problem-solving.
• Create a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and recovery-oriented treatment environment.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, supervision, and professional development activities.

Requirements

• Lived experience with recovery from a substance use disorder and a strong commitment to supporting others in recovery.
• California Peer Support Specialist Certification (or ability to obtain certification).
• Knowledge of recovery principles, community resources, and substance use disorder treatment services.
• Ability to establish rapport and maintain effective working relationships with diverse populations.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience using electronic health records (EHRs) and basic computer applications preferred.
• Three years clean and valid California driver's license, reliable transportation, and acceptable driving record.