Peer Recovery Support Specialist (SUDPRSS)

Job Description

Job Description

MISSION, VISION, AND VALUES

Our mission is to provide quality, comprehensive healthcare and supportive services to our community. Our vision is “Improving the Health and Well-Being of Our Community.” Our core values are Integrity, Compassion, and Excellence. Employees are expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to the mission, policies, goals, and philosophy of Harbor Community Health Centers.

JOB SUMMARY

The Peer Recovery Support Specialist  provides individualized recovery support, advocacy, and care coordination services to individuals receiving substance use recovery services. Preference will be given to candidates with lived experience in recovery who can use their knowledge and experience to foster trust, encourage engagement, and support clients throughout their recovery journey.

Key responsibilities include conducting individual SUPRT survey assessments, facilitating individual and group recovery support services, providing case management, coordinating care, and assisting clients with insurance navigation and appointment scheduling. The Peer Recovery Support Specialist works collaboratively with clients and interdisciplinary clinical teams to develop, implement, and monitor individualized recovery plans that promote client-centered goals, independence, and long-term recovery.

The ideal candidate demonstrates strong interpersonal and communication skills, empathy, compassion, organizational abilities, and the capacity to manage multiple priorities while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality.

Reporting Relationship: The Peer Recovery Support Specialist reports directly to the Program Manager and maintains effective communication and collaborative working relationships with facility staff, clinicians, physicians, case managers, clients, and their families to ensure coordinated, high-quality support services.

POSITION TYPE - TEMPORARY / GRANT-FUNDED

This is a temporary, full-time, grant-funded position with funding currently available through September 30, 2027 . Continued employment beyond this date is contingent upon the availability of additional funding, program needs, and organizational approval. This position does not guarantee employment for a specific duration and remains subject to HarborCHC's at-will employment policy.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES  

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Recovery Support and Patient Engagement

• Demonstrates familiarity with trauma-informed care, harm reduction, motivational interviewing, relapse prevention, and other evidence-based recovery support approaches.
• Provides individualized, nonclinical recovery support services that promote patient engagement, self-advocacy, independence, and progress toward recovery goals.
• Assists in identifying patients' recovery needs, strengths, barriers, and available resources through supportive conversations, interviews, and observations.
• Collaborates with patients, Substance Use Disorder (SUD) counselors, and clinical team members to support the development, implementation, and monitoring of individualized recovery plans.
• Provides individual and group peer recovery support services consistent with established recovery goals and organizational guidelines.
• Offers appropriate support and resources to patients and their families while maintaining professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Participates in interdisciplinary care team meetings and provides relevant observations and recommendations within the scope of the peer support role.
• Collaborates with SUD counselors to establish, maintain, and track assigned patient caseloads.

Care Coordination and Program Support

• Assists with coordinating patient appointments, referrals, insurance-related needs, and access to community-based recovery resources.
• Supports coordination and tracking activities related to Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) services, including medication-related follow-up under the direction of authorized clinical staff.
• Serves as a resource to patients and outpatient care teams by identifying appropriate community services and facilitating referrals to outside agencies.
• Supports patient enrollment, participation, and tracking activities associated with the Contingency Management program.
• Communicates regularly with Utilization Review (UR) staff to assist with documentation requests, care coordination, and other program-related needs.
• Collaborates with clinical staff, case managers, physicians, and external service providers to promote continuity of care.

SUPRT Surveys and Grant Compliance

• Administers, completes, and tracks SUPRT surveys at patient enrollment and designated follow-up intervals, including the six-month follow-up, in accordance with program and grant requirements.
• Coordinates and monitors patient incentives associated with SUPRT survey completion in compliance with applicable grant guidelines.
• Utilizes designated software, tracking systems, and reporting tools to document survey completion, monitor follow-up requirements, and maintain accurate program records.
• Assists with SUD grant reporting, data collection, program documentation, and special projects as assigned.
• Maintains accurate, timely, and organized records to support program monitoring, reporting, and compliance requirements.

Documentation and Communication

• Maintains complete, accurate, timely, and confidential patient records related to screening, intake, recovery support services, referrals, care coordination, progress toward established goals, and follow-up activities.
• Documents patient interactions, recovery support activities, and relevant observations in accordance with organizational policies and applicable documentation standards.
• Maintains positive and collaborative working relationships with patients, families, clinical staff, other departments, and external referral partners.
• Communicates patient concerns, barriers to care, and relevant updates to appropriate clinical team members in a timely manner.
• Demonstrates professionalism, compassion, cultural sensitivity, and a patient-centered approach in all interactions.

Professional Standards and Compliance

• Performs assigned duties in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, grant requirements, and HarborCHC policies and procedures.
• Maintains appropriate professional boundaries, patient confidentiality, and ethical standards of conduct.
• Demonstrates sound judgment, initiative, resourcefulness, and the ability to remain calm and respond appropriately in urgent or emergency situations.
• Recognizes the limitations of the peer support role and seeks guidance from appropriate clinical staff when patient needs exceed the position's responsibilities or scope of practice.
• Participates in required training, team meetings, and professional development activities to maintain knowledge of recovery support practices and program requirements.
• Performs other related duties as assigned, consistent with the position's qualifications, training, and scope of responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS 

Required Education, Experience, and/or Training


Education

• High school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate required.

Experience

• A minimum of one (1) year of experience in peer recovery support, substance use disorder (SUD) programs, behavioral health, or related recovery-oriented settings is preferred.
• Lived experience with recovery and familiarity with recovery support services preferred.
• Experience providing individual or group peer support services and assisting with patient engagement, care coordination, or community resource navigation preferred.
• Familiarity with individuals, family, and group recovery support approaches and therapeutic modalities.
• Experience working collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams, including SUD counselors, case managers, and clinical professionals, is preferred.

Certifications and Licenses

• Must possess a current and valid Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPS) credential at the time of hire.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification or ability to obtain certification within a timeframe established by HarborCHC.
• Valid California driver's license, if driving is required to perform essential job duties.
• Ability to maintain all required certifications and provide updated documentation as requested.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of substances uses disorders, addiction recovery principles, relapse prevention, harm reduction, and trauma-informed care.
• Familiarity with motivational interviewing, person-centered recovery approaches, and other evidence-based recovery support practices.
• Ability to assist with patient intake, nonclinical screenings, identification of recovery needs, and individualized recovery planning under appropriate supervision.
• Ability to support the Director of Addiction Medicine and SUD Counselors in coordinating individual and group recovery support activities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate information clearly, professionally, and effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive, supportive, and professional relationships with patients, families, colleagues, and community partners.
• Ability to maintain accurate, timely, organized, and confidential patient records in accordance with organizational policies and applicable regulations.

EXPECTATIONS

• Adheres to all HarborCHC policies, procedures, and organizational standards.
• Comply with established attendance and timekeeping procedures, including punctuality, accurate recording of work hours, proper clock-in and clock-out practices, and obtaining prior authorization for overtime.
• Wears and visibly displays the required employee identification badge while on duty.
• Demonstrates HarborCHC's core values through professionalism, integrity, accountability, and ethical conduct.
• Supports and upholds HarborCHC's mission, vision, goals, and organizational philosophy.
• Maintains positive, professional, and respectful interactions with patients, colleagues, supervisors, and other stakeholders.
• Communicates regularly and effectively with their immediate supervisor regarding departmental operations, organizational concerns, and opportunities for improvement.
  
  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical requirements described below are representative of those necessary to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, use hands to handle or operate equipment, reach with hands and arms, and communicate effectively.
• Frequently uses a computer, telephones, and other standard office equipment to perform administrative and patient support duties.
• Frequently lift and/or move objects weighing up to 10 pounds and occasionally lifts and/or moves objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Requires visual abilities sufficient to perform essential job functions, including reading documents, reviewing electronic records, and operating computer equipment.
• Requires the ability to communicate effectively with patients, colleagues, and other individuals in person, by telephone, and through electronic communication systems.
• May require movement between workstations, patient care areas, and other designated locations within the facility.

HOURS OF OPERATIONS

HarborCHC is open:

• Monday – Thursday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Friday & Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Employee work schedules may vary based on departmental needs and operational requirements.

HR PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS