Peer Support Specialist - Mobile OTP Unit

Position Summary Supports patients in their recovery journey by offering empathy, encouragement, and connection to essential resources within a mobile opioid treatment program (OTP) setting. This role utilizes lived experience or a deep understanding of substance use recovery to engage patients in a dignified, person‑centered manner. The Peer Support Specialist operates in community‑based and mobile environments, helping reduce barriers to care, improve engagement, and promote recovery-oriented outcomes. This position adheres to all confidentiality requirements, including HIPAA and 42CFR Part2, and upholds the mission, vision, and values of the organization. This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all‑inclusive. Patient Engagement & Support Provides peer‑based support, encouragement, and advocacy to patients in recovery. Builds trusting relationships with patients through shared understanding, respect, and nonjudgmental communication. Engages patients in services within the mobile unit and community settings to support ongoing participation in treatment. Assists patients in identifying recovery goals and connecting those goals to available services and supports. Serves as a recovery role model, demonstrating hope and resilience. Care Coordination & Resource Navigation Maintains daily availability to assist patients with accessing critical resources and referrals. Connects patients to housing, transportation, primary care, behavioral health, and social services. Coordinates with community agencies, tribal programs, and service providers to support continuity of care. Maintains a current and comprehensive knowledge of community resources. Develops and maintains resource guides for use in patient referrals. Mobile Unit & Community-Based Work Provides services in a mobile clinic environment, including outreach in community settings. Participates in outreach activities such as health fairs, community events, and engagement efforts targeting underserved populations. Supports engagement of patients who may be hesitant or ambivalent about treatment. Administrative & Documentation Support Assists with basic patient engagement workflows such as check‑in support, scheduling coordination, and tracking attendance as appropriate. Documents peer interactions and services in the electronic health record (EHR) in accordance with organizational standards. Supports communication between patients and care team members. Participates in staff meetings and interdisciplinary team collaboration. Advocacy & Team Collaboration Acts as an advocate for patients and families within the care team. Collaborates effectively with counselors, medical providers, case managers, and administrative staff. Promotes a team‑based, respectful, and recovery‑oriented care environment. Professional Conduct & Compliance Maintains strict confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and 42CFR Part2. Adheres to ethical guidelines and the peer support scope of practice. Completes all required trainings and competencies. Participates in ongoing professional development and supervision. Adapts to evolving workflows, safety protocols, and mobile service delivery needs. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of substance use recovery principles and recovery‑oriented systems of care. Understanding of community resources and social service systems. Ability to engage individuals from diverse cultural, social, and economic backgrounds. Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to listen empathetically and build trust. Ability to maintain professional boundaries while using lived experience appropriately. Ability to work independently in mobile and community‑based settings. Ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team. Ability to maintain accurate and timely documentation. Basic computer skills, including use of electronic health records and communication tools. Ability to remain calm, flexible, and solution‑focused in high‑stress environments. Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent. A certified or active Peer Support Specialist credential in the state of Washington is required. Lived experience with substance use recovery or a strong understanding of recovery principles. A valid driver’s license and the ability to travel for mobile unit services. Must be able to pass background screening in accordance with organizational and regulatory requirements. Preferred Qualifications One year of experience in behavioral health, social services, or peer support. Experience working in an OTP or substance use disorder treatment setting. Experience in outreach, community engagement, or mobile service delivery. Familiarity with Medicaid systems and community‑based resources. Background Investigation Requirements Pre‑employment drug screening. Reference, education, and employment verification. Criminal background and sanction checks as required by federal, state, and/or tribal regulations. Respective verification of no convictions, charges, or serious offenses related to violence, sexual assault, exploitation, or child‑related crimes. Physical Demands Regular sitting, hand use for handling or feeling, and effective communication. Occasional movement, lifting up to 20 pounds, and vision requirements for close and long‑distance tasks. Work Environment Mobile clinic and community‑based settings, occasional office environments. Exposure to outdoor conditions and varying weather, possibility of encountering individuals in distress or crises. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required. Tribal Preference All positions are required to adhere to CIT’s established safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE). Tribal preference in accordance with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and CIT Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook shall apply to all positions. #J-18808-Ljbffr COWLITZ INDIAN TRIBE