Peer Support Specialist

About the Role

Peer Support Specialist supports and assists patients in their recovery from Opioid Use Disorder by breaking down barriers to treatment and bridging various entities that help an individual maintain productive, long-term recovery. This role also assists patients in developing skills and enhancing strengths to avoid relapse and successfully navigate the full continuum of care and the road to long-term recovery.

Key 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 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:
• Assisting patients in seeking and receiving services to meet their individual social needs and provides support to facilitate patient success in maintaining recovery.
• Assisting in the process of acquiring housing, necessities, and skills needed to maintain daily and monthly household responsibilities and independent living.
• Assisting 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.
• Assisting 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.
• Updates healthcare team on a regular basis regarding patient 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.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• WVCBAPP Peer Recovery Certification is required.
• Full-Time Hours: Clinical operating hours - 5:30 AM and 1:30 PM. 37.5 hours/week.
• Early morning hours offering a great work/life balance.
• Opportunity for growth.

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.
• 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.
• 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.

Licenses/Certifications

• PRSS Certification from WVCBAPP Required.