Provide consultation, mentorship, and recovery coaching to peers in an in-patient Adult Residential Recovery program. Assist clients with resource acquisition and promote engagement in substance use treatment and community support services.
Requirements summary
Requires a Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field and a personal history as a consumer of substance use services. A valid driver's license and knowledge of recovery-based concepts are also required.
At Jefferson Center, it is our policy and our mission to be inclusive and mindful of the diversity of everyone who comes through our doors. We are passionate about building a community where mental health matters and equitable care is accessible to all races, ethnicities, abilities, socioeconomic statuses, ages, sexual orientations, gender expressions, religions, cultures, and languages.
The Peer Specialist will provide consultation and mentorship to peers at our Adult Residential Recovery (ARR) program. ARR is an in-patient program structured to support those struggling with co-occurring disorders (SUD primary). During the 30-45 day program, clients will receive care in group and individual settings. The main goal of the program is to promote stability in recovery and support individuals in transitioning back into their communities in a healthy and supportive way.
What is a Peer Specialist? A ‘Peer’ is someone who has been a consumer of substance use or substance use and mental health services and a ‘Specialist’ refers to one’s ability to translate recovery methods, plans and tactics to our residents as a coach, promoting consumer engagement in therapy, wellness services, primary care, and substance use services as appropriate; provide self-help recovery services and other peer wellness services in a supportive role. Position is designed to assist in the monitoring of consumer activities on site during each shift.
Bachelor’s Degree in psychology, social work, or related field required.
COPA (peer certification) required.
This key position supports client recovery and therefore a personal history as consumer of substance use services, is required.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
Current and unrestricted Driver’s license and with acceptable motor vehicle record. This position requires driving - applicants must be at least 25 years of age to be eligible for the center's motor vehicle insurance.
Knowledge of Recovery-based concepts required.
Good communication and organization skills and personal resilience.
Basic Computer Skills required.
Essential Duties
Utilize skills and education to provide consultation and mentorship to peers.
Assist with providing training and mentorship to new hires
Be available to co-workers for problem solving and support regarding complex and high risk client situations including attending and participating in consumer staffing’s
To provide leadership and training with any new initiatives (i.e. client portal, surveys, outreach, MyAvatar, etc.)
Teach/mentor consumers on illness management/relapse prevention
Demonstrates ways to become empowered and self-responsible.
Supports consumers in learning how to make good choices for themselves.
Resource acquisition including assisting consumers with application for benefits and basic needs such as housing, food, clothing, medical, dental care, legal, vocational, psychiatric services, etc.
Identify risk factors including lethality and/or decompensation. Collaborate with Program Coordinator and/or Clinician with appropriate and timely handoff to facilitate intervention by clinical staff or the emergency team.
Coordinates with internal and external providers to assist clients in reachingtheir goals.
Promotes engagement in substance use treatment and on-going care following the transfer/discharge process.
Refer residents to community self-help/social support recovery services (12-Step, WINGS)
Other duties (Productivity performance measures, professional growth/Development, relationships/Communication):
This role may require cross functional responsibilities and contingency support including but not limited to:
Adaptability to staffing needs: In the event of a staffing crisis or emergency, the employee may need to be deployed to another unit / team, whether working with adults or youth, within Jefferson Center for which they are qualified and credentialed, as determined by leadership.
Skill Utilization: Staff may be assigned to support different teams or departments to address client needs while remaining within the scope of their professional licensure and credentialing.
Attends mandatory in-services; compliance with individualized training plan if required
Participates in supervision by coming prepared with an agenda. Reports high risk/problem cases, and utilizes a problem solving approach as well as feedback.
Attends supervision at times and interval agreed upon with supervisor.
Exhibits enthusiasm, respect, adaptability, flexibility, and spirit of cooperation in the work environment
Maintains effective interpersonal relations with residents, peers, subordinates, upper management, visitors and the general public. Uses language and behavior to promote dignity and respect.
Effectively responds to the resident needs and problems, initiates and maintains positive interactions, timely response to phone calls, email and other requests.
Demonstrates knowledge and skills to develop therapeutic alliance with residents and to work effectively and with cultural competence with consumers from diverse backgrounds.
Participates in staff development activities to enhance professional growth.
Addresses the whole health needs of the residents by ensuring that appropriate referrals are made as needed when significant physical health needs are a consideration.
Utilizes a range of appropriate recovery focused interventions according to need, or refers as indicated, to wellness classes/coaching, co-occurring/substance use services, Navigation and employment services.
Participates in team meetings and planned activities.
Have an understanding of how trauma impacts the lives of the people being served, so that every interaction is consistent with the recovery process and reduces the possibility of re-traumatization.
Participate in the Center’s training/educational programs designed to enhance knowledge about Trauma Informed Care, the impact of trauma and trauma recovery.
Ensure that delivery practices are guided by the 10 principles of trauma informed care.
Other job duties as assigned, including but not limited to supporting on other related teams within the staff persons scope, as needed.
Note
Employees are held accountable for all duties of this job. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job.
Salary (Bachelor's Degree)
$55,000 annually ($26.45/hour)*
Additional Salary Information*
• The annual salary listed above is based on 1.0 FTE (full time equivalent) or 40 hours per week. Less than 40 hours/week will be prorated and adjusted to the appropriate FTE.*
Application Deadline
This position will remain posted until filled. We encourage applicants to apply by 5/27/2026 for priority consideration.
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