Peer Recovery Specialist - New Pathways Project

Essential Job Functions

• Provide peer-based support, guidance, and encouragement to individuals in recovery.
• Aid individuals in developing personalized recovery plans.
• Serve as a liaison between individuals and service providers, assisting in navigating healthcare and community support systems.
• Facilitate peer support groups, workshops, or educational sessions.
• Advocate for individuals' rights and needs within treatment and community settings.
• Document interactions and maintain accurate records in accordance with organizational policies.
• Promote harm reduction strategies and wellness-based approaches.
• Support crisis intervention efforts and collaborate with crisis teams as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical peer support principles.
• Maintain flexibility to provide necessary support to individuals after hours, evenings, weekends, and some holidays.
• Provide on-call support to all participants to assist with crisis support.
• Meet with clients regularly, identify community linkages to support client recovery efforts, conduct outreach to clients at treatment facilities in the community, attend client recovery plan meetings, and meet clients at their appointments.
• Manage and oversee a caseload of up to 30 individuals at any given time.
• Offer recovery education and coaching, including providing recovery information; encouragement; support; enhancement of self-management skills; recovery resource identification (such as escorting to appointments for benefits enrollment in vocational/job training services, and housing search); warm handoffs and navigation to and within addiction treatment services and other human services; mentorship; and modeling of recovery lifestyle.

Work Habits

• Demonstrates reliability, punctuality, and accountability.
• Maintains professional and respectful interactions with individuals, colleagues, and stakeholders.
• Upholds ethical and confidentiality standards.
• Works collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Displays cultural competence and sensitivity.

Professional Development

• Engage in ongoing training and continuing education to maintain certification.
• Stay informed on best practices in peer support and recovery-oriented care.
• Participate in supervision, team meetings, and professional development activities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Lived experience in recovery from substance use, with a sustained recovery period.
• Certification as a Recovery Specialist (CRS) in Pennsylvania, or willingness to become certified within 90 days of employment.
• Knowledge of community resources and recovery support services.
• Preferred: Associate or bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related field.
• Additional peer support certifications or specialized training.
• Lived experience with mental health challenges.
• Experience working in peer support, case management, or a related field.
• Experience working in community-based, clinical, or outreach settings.