Certified Peer Recovery Specialist - Ames

Are you looking for an opportunity to do amazing work helping others? You've come to the right place. Let's make a difference!

Primary Health Care (PHC) was founded in 1981 by Dr. Bery Engebretsen in Des Moines, IA. Our mission has remained unchanged since that time, to provide healthcare and supportive services to all, regardless of insurance, immigration status, or ability to pay.

Based on the needs of the communities we serve, PHC offers a spectrum of medical and dental services including family practice, behavioral health, HIV care and services, and pharmacy. PHC’s Homeless Support Services is the entry point for serving people experiencing homelessness in Polk County. Enabling services are available to help patients with benefits enrollment, case management, transportation, translation, and patient education. We currently have locations in Ames, Des Moines, & Marshalltown.

As a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, you will provide one-on-one peer support and serves as a role model for peers in substance use and/or mental health recovery to assist them in gaining independence within the community and mastery over their recovery process. The CPRS collaborates with healthcare and program team members to provide support. This position is for Ames & Marshalltown.

What's Great About this Position?

• Earn 4 weeks of PTO throughout your first year of employment and enjoy paid holidays as well.

• Continue to develop your skills and grow your career through PHC’s training opportunities including: PHC University, Emerging Leaders, and medical and dental assistant training programs.

What You Will Do

1. Provides one-on-one support to assist peers in assessing needs, setting goals for recovery, establishing support networks, and developing relapse prevention plans. Support may be provided in person, virtually, or telephonically at PHC locations or other mutually agreed upon appropriate locations. May transport peers to assist in their recovery process based on department needs.

2. Assists peers to work with their treatment team and/or case manager to achieve their goals including setting appointments, making referrals, and providing education about resources.

3. Provides continuity of communication between peers, care providers, and social supports.

4. Maintains accurate and complete peer support documentation.

5. Advocates for the needs and perspectives of peers to support their goals and recovery. Teaches the value of every individual’s recovery experience, and emphasizes strength of the peer’s voice throughout the recovery process.

6. Participates in community events and presentations.

7. Participates in performance improvement activities to evaluate programs and service systems.

Qualifications You Need to Bring

Required:

• Completion of high school diploma or equivalent.

• Demonstrates competency in personal recovery and use of coping skills.

• Lived experience in substance use disorder, mental illness, or homelessness.

• Understands and applies principles of trauma informed and culturally competent care.

• Knowledge of local community and housing resources.

• Excellent customer service skills.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

• Team oriented.

• Proficiency using computers including Microsoft Office applications and ability to learn the electronic health record and/or homeless management information systems.

• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of individuals.

• Problem solving skills.

• Demonstrates professionalism with ability to remain composed in high stress situations and show empathy.

• Licenses & Certifications: Peer Recovery Specialist Certification from Iowa Board of Certification, *Current Mandatory Reporter Training: Child Abuse and Dependent Adult Abuse recognized by the State of Iowa; *Valid Iowa Chauffeur’s License (Class D)

Preferred:

• Familiarity with case management systems as a participant or professional.

• Work experience with vulnerable populations.

• Work experience in a community health center.

We Take Care of Our People

Your experience and skills determine your base pay. The hiring range for this position is typically $17.00 - $21.25 per hour. Candidates with extensive work experience related to this position may be considered for additional compensation up to the pay grade maximum of $25.50 per hour. PHC also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Generous PTO accrual (equal to 4 weeks at end of 1st year) plus paid holidays

• License/certification fee reimbursement

• Paid time off for continuing education & continuing education reimbursement

• Tuition reimbursement program

• 401k with company match

• Medical insurance - PHC Pays, on average, 80% of medical premiums for all plan types (employee, employee + family, etc.)

• Dental insurance

• Vision insurance

• Life & disability insurance

• Flexible spending & health savings accounts

• Supplemental accident & critical illness insurance

• Discounts on pet insurance

Visit for a summary of PHC’s benefits.

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