Peer Support Specialist

About the role

Our outpatient MAT Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) seeks a Peer Support Specialist/Recovery Coach to join our dedicated team in Jackson, Mississippi.

Responsibilities

• Supports and assists patients in their recovery from Opioid Use Disorder
• Engages patients at the initial point of contact to expedite screening for appropriate level of care
• Affords advocacy and mentoring 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
• Provides peer support knowledge related to treatment including methadone, buprenorphine, or extended-release naltrexone injection maintenance treatment
• Affords liaison between patients, clinical team, and community resources
• Affords assistance in acquiring housing, necessities, and skills needed to maintain daily and monthly household responsibilities and independent living
• Affords assistance in establishing a relationship with a primary care provider or additional medical care in a coordinated/team approach
• Affords assistance in obtaining and maintaining gainful employment
• Affords assistance in 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
• Updates healthcare team on a regular basis as to the patient’s status, including, but not limited to changes in mood or functioning, medical issues, and all crisis and health and safety issues
• Communicates all difficulties contacting patients with appropriate office staff
• Documents all “no shows” and 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
• 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)
• 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