Peer Recovery Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Peer Recovery Specialist

FULL-TIME | NON-EXEMPT

WEEKDAYS | 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

POST DATE: 07/08/2026

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Indian Health Board of Minneapolis is a Federally Qualified Health Care Center and community clinic providing access to quality health care and wellness services. We believe the best care happens when we listen and work together. While promoting and preserving our urban American Indian and Alaska Native traditions and identity, we embrace all people seeking patient-centered, culturally sensitive health care and wellness services.

At Indian Health Board we believe Good Relationships are supported by three interrelated values: Respect for culture - preserving and promoting our American Indian and Alaska Native heritage and identity while embracing all other cultures with acceptance and compassion; Excellence - seeking excellence in all our services, business practices, and community partnerships; Leadership - promoting ethical leadership based on collaboration and mutual respect.

We offer:

• Platinum benefits package available for employees working 30 hours per week or more: Health, Dental, Vision, FSA
• Company paid long term and life insurance
• Generous paid time-off
• Retirement savings plan with employer match

Our mission statement:

"To ensure access to quality health care services for American Indians and other peoples and to promote health education and wellness."

-Respect for Culture Excellence Leadership-

If our beliefs resonate with you, we want you, and encourage you to apply at IHB.

JOB SUMMARY

The Peer Recovery Specialist (PRS) provides culturally grounded, peer-based recovery support services to individuals receiving substance use disorder treatment within a Minnesota 245G-licensed ASAM Level 2.1 Intensive Outpatient Program. Rooted in lived experience, the Peer Recovery Specialist walks alongside clients as a supportive, trusted guide, promoting long-term recovery, wellness, and community connection.

Consistent with Indian Health Board values, this role honors culture, respect, relationship, leadership, and holistic wellness, supporting recovery across the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions of health. The Peer Recovery Specialist collaborates as an active member of the multidisciplinary treatment team while maintaining the unique peer role distinct from clinical services.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The Peer Recovery Specialist provides compassionate, non-clinical recovery support to individuals both one-on-one and in group settings, helping bridge the transition from treatment into a broader recovery community.

• Provides supportive, non-clinical recovery services that encourage hope, connection, and self-directed recovery.
• Builds trusting, respectful, and caring relationships with clients, families, and healthcare professionals.
• Respects and protects patient rights, including confidentiality, and follows organizational policies and ethical standards.
• Works collaboratively as a positive and flexible team member to help achieve the mission and goals of the Indian Health Board of Minneapolis.
• Demonstrates cultural awareness and sensitivity and enjoys working with individuals from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
• Is self-motivated, adaptable, and comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.
• Communicates clearly and thoughtfully, both verbally and in writing.
• Understands the recovery process and uses established, strengths-based approaches to support individuals in their healing and growth.
• Helps individuals build problem-solving skills and confidence as they work toward their personal recovery goals.
• Recognizes common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges and supports individuals in using healthy coping strategies or connecting with appropriate services.
• Is familiar with community resources that support independent living and recovery and enjoys helping others learn how to access those supports.
• Manages time effectively, stays organized, and prioritizes tasks to meet responsibilities and deadlines.
• Maintains knowledge of relevant regulations and guidelines that support safe, ethical, and effective care.
• Holds a valid driver's license to meet job-related travel needs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• The Peer Recovery Specialist supports individuals in building meaningful, self‑directed recovery goals and wellness plans through encouragement, shared experience, and practical guidance. Key responsibilities include:
• Encouraging and role‑modeling respect for each individual's unique recovery journey.
• Supporting clients in identifying personal recovery goals through individual and group sessions.
• Helping clients create and follow personalized wellness and recovery plans that build on their strengths, skills, supports, and available resources.
• Collaborating with case managers, social workers, and treatment teams to support clients in taking steps toward their recovery goals.
• Assisting clients in finding, starting, or maintaining self‑help and peer support groups and connecting them to helpful staff and community resources.
• Teaching practical recovery skills, including coping strategies, problem‑solving, self‑advocacy, empowerment, and ways to challenge negative self‑talk and stigma.
• Maintaining accurate and timely documentation of recovery goals, interventions, strengths, and progress within the client's treatment or recovery plan.
• Participating in regular supervision with the Recovery Services Clinical Supervisor to support professional growth and ensure quality services.
• Deliver services that respect and promote American Indian and Alaska Native cultural traditions, values, and identity while welcoming all people seeking care.
• Support culturally based recovery practices, community connection, and traditional healing when requested and appropriate.
• Uphold Indian Health Board values of respect for culture, excellence, and leadership in daily interactions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Have at least one year of personal recovery from substance use disorder.
• Hold a high school diploma or GED.
• Peer Recovery Specialist certification or eligibility per Minnesota standards.
• Knowledge of ASAM levels of care, particularly ASAM 2.1 Intensive Outpatient services.
• Understanding of culturally responsive care and indigenous approaches to wellness.
• Be willing to participate in ongoing continuing education to maintain certification and strengthen skills in areas such as ethics and boundaries, advocacy, mentoring and education, and recovery and wellness support, as approved by the Recovery Services Director.

HIPAA

IHB makes reasonable efforts to limit access to and use of protected health information (PHI) by employees to the minimum necessary performance of assigned duties as outlines in job descriptions. This position is access restricted to PHI needed to carry out health care operations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requires some physical exertion such as long periods of standing, walking, recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, or similar activities. Work may require specific, but common, physical characteristics and abilities such as above-average agility and dexterity. The work environment involves high risks with exposure to potentially dangerous situations requiring a range of safety and other precautions.