Peer Recovery Specialist, Full

About The Psychiatric Institute Of Washington

For nearly 50 years, The Psychiatric Institute of Washington (PIW) has provided behavioral healthcare to children, adolescents, and adults throughout the Washington, D.C. community. Our 130-bed facility offers inpatient, outpatient, and partial hospitalization programs designed to help patients find hope, stability, and a path toward a healthier future. At PIW, our team brings together professionals from across clinical, administrative, operational, and support disciplines who share a commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care.

About the Role

Psychiatric Institute of Washington (PIW) is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Peer Recovery Specialist to join our team. In this role, you’ll provide individualized recovery support to patients experiencing substance use challenges, helping them identify their needs, develop recovery goals, and connect with resources that support long-term wellness. This opportunity is ideal for someone who is passionate about recovery, values meaningful patient relationships, and wants to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals navigating their recovery journeys.

Key Responsibilities

• Build supportive relationships with patients receiving substance use treatment, identifying their individual needs, recovery goals, and readiness for change.
• Provide individualized recovery support and brief interventions to help patients navigate challenges and explore treatment options.
• Facilitate assigned recovery-focused group sessions and maintain timely, accurate documentation in the electronic medical record (EMR).
• Educate patients about community-based recovery programs, treatment services, and resources that support continued care.
• Collaborate with nurses, counselors, therapists, and community agencies to coordinate referrals, aftercare planning, and warm handoffs.
• Conduct post-discharge outreach with patients identified as being at high risk for opioid or stimulant relapse, encouraging continued engagement in recovery services.
• Communicate relevant patient information to the multidisciplinary treatment team while maintaining professionalism, accuracy, and confidentiality.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• High school diploma or GED.
• CPR/BLS Certification through the American Heart Association (AHA).
• Current state or national certification as a Peer Recovery Specialist, or the ability to obtain certification within six months of employment.
• Knowledge of substance use disorders, recovery principles, relapse prevention, and available community treatment resources.
• Ability to communicate effectively, establish rapport with patients, and navigate challenging situations using verbal de-escalation techniques.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, data entry, and accurate documentation.

Qualifications

• Entry-level related experience (0–1 year).
• Additional education, including vocational or technical training, an associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree.
• One to five years of related experience in substance use recovery, behavioral healthcare, peer support, or a related setting.
• Experience facilitating recovery-focused groups, support meetings, or psychoeducational sessions.
• Familiarity with recovery support programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), SMART Recovery, and other community-based resources.

What Will Help You Succeed

Success in this role comes from compassion, strong interpersonal skills, and a genuine commitment to supporting individuals throughout their recovery journeys. You’ll thrive by building trusting relationships, communicating effectively with multidisciplinary teams, and remaining calm in challenging situations. Respect for each individual’s unique experiences and recovery path is essential.