Peer Support Specialist

Job 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.
• Acts as a role model for patients by sharing 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.
• Provides peer support knowledge related to treatment including methadone, buprenorphine or extended-release naltrexone injection maintenance treatment.
• Acts as a liaison between patients, clinical team and community resources including but not limited to:
• Aiding patients in seeking and receiving services to meet their individual social needs and provides support to facilitate patient success to maintain recovery.
• Aiding in the process of acquiring housing, necessities and skills needed to maintain daily and monthly household responsibilities and independent living.
• Aiding patients in establishing a relationship with a primary care provider or additional medical care in a coordinated/team approach.
• Serving as linkage between patients and employers in the area to assist patients in obtaining and maintaining gainful employment.
• Aiding patients with acquiring and developing life and social skills, education and other needs identified by the individual to promote quality of life after recovery.
• Serves as consultants and subject matter experts in MAT and patient participation in community support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous and Celebrate Recovery.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; college degree preferred.
• No previous work experience in the field is required, although highly preferred.
• Prefer direct experience in substance use disorder (SUD) through personal life experiences, instruction/internships, or similar practicum through education or certification process.
• Ideal Experience:
  • Personal or professional experience in addiction recovery, ideally with lived experience and a demonstrated commitment to supporting others in their recovery journey.
  • Familiarity with Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) approaches, including methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, and the ability to support individuals engaged in MAT services.
  • Experience facilitating peer-led support groups or one-on-one recovery coaching, focusing on empowerment, motivation, and goal setting.
  • 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).
• Demonstrated ability to work within a multidisciplinary care team, collaborating with counselors, nurses, case managers, and medical staff to support holistic recovery.
• PRSS Certification from WVCBAPP Required.