PEER RECOVERY SPECIALIST - Addiction Response Team (ART) - Hospital

Job Description PEER RECOVERY SPECIALIST TIER 1 - Addiction Response Team (ART) - Hospital Sector Peer Recovery Specialist – Tier 1 is a foundational role within the Addiction Response Team (ART) providing peer-based engagement, outreach, and connection to treatment and recovery services through lived experience. Tier 1 Peer Recovery Specialists build core peer support competencies while learning ART workflows, grant requirements, Medicaid expectations, and embedded sector operations (jail, court, hospital/clinic, community). The Peer Recovery Specialist – Tier 1 reports to the Peer Recovery Supervisor and indirectly to the Program Manager. Hospital / Clinic Sector – Role Summary (Tier 1 Peer) Complete facility onboarding and healthcare workflow training Develop understanding of hospital and emergency department workflows Support engagement using SBIRT and AUDIT-C screening tools, as appropriate Develop familiarity with FirstNet (Banner) and EPIC (UCHealth) documentation systems as needed for coordination Provide harm reduction education related to alcohol, THC, and other substances Offer encouragement and peer support to individuals considering MAT or treatment services Support referrals to care coordination and assist individuals with follow-up appointment navigation Participate in outreach within required post-discharge timelines (e.g., 48 hours, 14 days, 45 days) through peer engagement Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Tier 1 staff are expected to build foundational knowledge and skills through training, supervision, and supported practice. Minimum of two (2) years in active personal recovery from substance use Ability to engage individuals through shared lived experience while maintaining professional boundaries Ability to model recovery-oriented behaviors and reinforce strengths-based, person-centered approaches Foundational understanding of substance use disorders, including common substances, withdrawal basics, harm reduction principles, and overdose response Foundational knowledge of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and how peers support engagement in MAT Awareness of co-occurring mental health conditions (recognizing signs, not diagnosing) Ability to engage individuals in hospital, jail, court, office, and community-based settings Cultural humility and ability to effectively engage diverse populations Strong verbal and written communication skills (phone, in-person, and electronic formats) Strong decision-making, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities Ability to manage stressful situations calmly and non-reactively Ability to adjust priorities as member needs change Ability to maintain strict confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and organizational policy Basic computer skills or willingness to learn EMR systems and data collection platforms including RDP Reliable transportation and able to meet the requirements for driving a company vehicle (driving record) Ability to work independently in environments with frequent interruptions This role requires strict adherence to confidentiality requirements, including HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, organizational policies, and ethical peer practices. Key Responsibilities Peer Support & Engagement Provide peer-based support through lived experience, encouragement, and recovery-focused conversation Build foundational understanding of person-centered, strengths-based, and recovery-oriented language Engage in training and supervised practice of motivational interviewing techniques Support individuals in identifying recovery goals and next steps Promote independence by sharing resources and modeling recovery behaviors Act as an ambassador to individuals experiencing substance use by connecting them to treatment, recovery, harm reduction, and community support resources Member Engagement, Referrals & Follow-Up Intake and contact incoming referrals within 2–24 business hours Complete intake assessments and reassessments in RDP within required timelines Support short-term monitoring and follow-up Assist individuals with navigating appointments, referrals, follow-up #J-18808-Ljbffr North Colorado Health Alliance