Peer Recovery Support Specialist

Your Role & Impact

As a Peer Recovery Support Specialist, you’ll be a vital member of the care team contributing to the provision of high-quality, patient-centered healthcare. You’ll be responsible for providing case management to a group of patients identified to have substance use disorders and assist in prevention efforts to help them achieve and maintain their optimal level of health. The PRSS will act as a resource to patients and health care staff to ensure patients receive the care and services they require to be successful in their recovery efforts.

Patient Care & Enhancing Care Flow

• Maintains a caseload as determined during the admissions process for patients participating in MAR treatment services.
• Conducts assessments to identify the need for support services and works collaboratively with patients to develop individualized recovery support plans that emphasize purpose, mindfulness, and personal goals.
• Identifies relapse prevention strategies to support patients in managing and coping with triggers and high-risk situations and assists patients in building and sustaining a recovery-oriented social network to engage in healthy, meaningful activities.
• Refer patients to other community resources when necessary.
• Schedule for Substance Use Counseling, Behavioral Health, or MAR Program per assessment results.
• Orient patients to the process to enter MAR program or access additional substance use services. Explain insurance fees, sliding scale fees, and costs associated with services at Esperanza Health Centers.
• Encourage patients to become actively engaged in their own health and recovery journeys through calm, compassionate communication, and by utilizing motivational interviewing techniques and recovery model approach.
• Provide education to patients and staff related to substance use such as overdose identification and reversal, administration of naloxone.

Collaborative Support & Communication

• Work as part of a team (including medical providers, medical assistants, and behavioral health consultants) to coordinate initial and follow up care for patients referred for substance use disorders.
• Facilitate communication among patients, providers, nurses, medical assistants, and outside resources, related to the care of patients.
• Maintain timely and consistent communication with patients regarding their health care and resource needs.
• Participates in ongoing recovery support services by identifying community resources and connecting patients with the appropriate services to further support their recovery journey.
• Engage in community outreach with neighborhood schools, churches, and other business partners.

Administrative Duties

• Provides a minimum of 25-30 hours each week of direct individualized in-person, telephonic or virtual peer support services.
• Maintains accurate and timely documentation of recovery plans, interventions, resources and progress notes in the electronic health record in accordance with policies, procedures, and regulatory and accreditation standards.
• Participates in interdisciplinary case staffing meetings to discuss care coordination and ensure peer informed care.
• Contributes expertise in regular peer recovery team meetings to evaluate program effectiveness and individual patient progress.
• Meaningfully participate in regular administrative and clinical supervision and team meetings.

Requirements

• High School Diploma and successful completion of 225-hour certified alcohol and substance use preparatory program within the past 12 months or 12 months from date of hire. (Combination of education and experience considered as well)
• 1-3 years of mental health and/or substance use knowledge and experience.
• Previous experience in a health care setting, including work as a medical assistant, case manager and health educator, preferred.
• Previous experience working with patients with substance abuse and dependence.
• Exhibit traits of friendliness, compassion, patience, and a non-judgmental tone.
• Strong ability to multi-task and work well in a fast-paced environment.
• Desire to be a self-starter; take initiative.
• Ability to organize and prioritize appropriately.
• Attention to detail is a must.
• Flexibility to work evenings and/or weekends, if necessary.
• Exhibits flexibility to adapt to unforeseen needs or circumstances
• Ability to speak, read and comprehend English and Spanish
• Computer skills required.
• Prior experience using electronic health records, preferred.
• Function as a team member to assure patients obtain access to quality care.
• Potential to work evenings and/ or Saturdays.

Benefits

• BCBS Medical PPO Plans
• Ameritas Dental & Eye Med Vision Coverage
• Tuition Reimbursement (up to $5,000/year)
• 10 Paid Holidays + 21 Days of Paid Time Off