Peer Support Specialist

About the role

El Cajon Comprehensive Treatment Center (CTC), part of Acadia Healthcare's Comprehensive Treatment Centers, seeks a Peer Support Specialist/Recovery Coach to support and assist patients in their recovery from Opioid Use Disorder.

Responsibilities

• Provides peer support to clinically complex patients, drawing on common experiences as a peer; validates each individual’s experiences and provides guidance and encouragement to these individuals to take responsibility and actively participate in their own recovery.
• Engages patients referred to treatment at the initial point of contact, clinic or other community provider, to expedite screening for the appropriate level of care.
• Acts as advocate and mentor to patients in recovery to promote decision making, empowerment and engagement.
• Shares effective coping techniques and self-help strategies to promote personal growth and development in handling internal and external stressors, positive health, wellness and lifestyle choices.
• Supports patients in accessing and utilizing community resources including housing, employment, and healthcare services.
• Serves as a consultant and subject matter expert in MAT and patient participation in community support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous and Celebrate Recovery.
• Updates healthcare team on a regular basis regarding the patient’s status, including changes in mood or functioning, medical issues, and all crisis and health and safety issues.
• Documents all “no shows” and communicates all difficulties contacting patients with appropriate office staff.
• Documents services provided regularly, concisely, and completely in accordance with clinical standards and policy guidelines.
• Attends all office trainings as well as regular clinical supervision sessions with assigned supervisor.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; college degree preferred.
• No previous work experience in the field is required, although highly preferred.
• Direct experience in substance use disorder (SUD) through personal life experiences, instruction/internships, or similar practicum through education or certification process.
• Experience facilitating peer-led support groups or one-on-one recovery coaching, focusing on empowerment, motivation, and goal setting.
• Familiarity with Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) approaches, including methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, and the ability to support individuals engaged in MAT services.
• Understanding of recovery-oriented and evidence-informed practices, such as Motivational Interviewing (MI), wellness planning, and relapse prevention support (note: not expected to provide clinical therapy).
• Basic documentation skills, including progress notes and recovery plan updates, in accordance with organizational guidelines and peer support best practices.
• Awareness of confidentiality and privacy standards, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, as they relate to peer support and behavioral health settings.
• Demonstrated ability to work within a multidisciplinary care team, collaborating with counselors, nurses, case managers, and medical staff to support holistic recovery.

Benefits

• Semi-Annual Bonus Program
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Competitive 401(k) plan
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Early morning hours offering a great work/life balance
• Opportunity for growth that is second to none in the industry

Pay

Compensation for roles at El Cajon, CA CTC varies depending on a wide array of factors including but not limited to the specific location, role, skill set, and level of experience. As required by local law, El Cajon CTC provides a reasonable hourly range of compensation for roles that may be hired in California as set forth below. Role Location: California Calculated Salary Range for role: $25.00 - $27.00 per hour. Eligible positions may qualify for student loan forgiveness through HRSA, depending on clinic site eligibility. Check your eligibility here: HRSA Eligibility