Peer Recovery Coach

About the role

The Peer Recovery Coach plays a crucial role in Damien Center's interdisciplinary clinical team, supporting individuals in recovery from substance use disorders and co-occurring conditions. This role is part of the CARE Program and focuses on reducing HIV transmission among high-risk populations through recovery-focused services.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized coaching and support to clients seeking recovery from substance use disorders, helping them develop and implement personalized recovery plans.
• Maintain a caseload of 25–35 clients, adjusting support intensity based on acuity and engagement.
• Serve as a consistent point of contact for clients throughout their treatment journey, including pre-enrollment, active participation, and post-discharge follow-up.
• Maintain and update a comprehensive directory of recovery-focused resources, including MAT providers, support groups, sober living environments, and detox/residential treatment programs.
• Connect clients to internal Damien Center services and external community resources based on individual needs and recovery goals.
• Assist clients in accessing HIV and Hepatitis C testing, safety supplies, and educational materials.
• Participate in IOP group therapy sessions to model recovery behaviors, share lived experience, and foster peer connection.
• Facilitate community-based recovery support groups, promoting mutual aid and sustained engagement.
• Assist with client orientation, enrollment, and assessment processes for substance use treatment programming.
• Aid in crisis response, including assisting with client crises such as suicidal ideation, intoxication, or behavioral escalation.
• Support safe transitions for clients in crisis, including coordination with emergency services when necessary.
• Conduct outreach to identify potential clients eligible for substance use treatment programming and build relationships with referral sources.
• Represent Damien Center at community events, recovery meetings, and networking opportunities to promote services and build relationships.
• Complete timely and accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, referrals, and follow-up activities in designated systems.
• Ensure all records are HIPAA-compliant and meet standards set by SAMHSA, DMHA, and internal policies.
• Provide transportation and accompany clients to appointments, recovery meetings, or community services when appropriate to support engagement and reduce barriers.
• Collaborate with therapists, medical providers, and psychiatric staff to coordinate care and contribute to treatment planning.
• Maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality, and ethical conduct in accordance with HIPAA and recovery coaching standards.
• Participate in regular supervision and team meetings to support professional growth and program development.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of sustained recovery from substance use disorder.
• Willingness to publicly self-identify as a person in recovery.
• High school diploma or graduation equivalency degree (GED).
• Certification as a Peer Recovery Coach (or willingness to obtain within 6 months of hire).
• Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and ability to build rapport with diverse populations.
• Familiarity with HIV prevention, and trauma-informed care preferred.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative clinical team.