Peer Recovery Coach in Healthcare and Emergency Settings

GENERAL OVERVIEW OF ROLE

An ARCHES Peer Recovery Coach is a non-clinical, Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) working under the direct supervision of the Program Manager. Their primary role is to provide peer recovery coaching to individuals who have made contact with a healthcare setting due to opioid overdose or are at high risk for opioid dependency. They use active listening to understand participants’ self-identified level of recovery, wellness and/or independence. Their role is to link participants to recovery resources and treatment, provide education on overdose, prevention, and naloxone administration along with providing naloxone kits. They provide any additional resources needed to best serve the participant and their family members. ARCHES PRC’s are responsible for following up with individuals after discharging from the facility where first contact was made, along with completing a recovery management plan with those individuals to assist in goal setting and steps to achieve success. It is the ARCHES PRC’s responsibility to accurately document each encounter to meet grant requirements.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Deploy to various community partner emergency rooms to establish contact with potential participants struggling with a substance use disorder (SUD)
• Meet with participants in person or on the phone regularly to establish a trusting, working relationship and sharing personal experience with SUD
• Respects and advocates ALL pathways to recovery, including but not limited to:
• Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), harm reduction, syringe exchange, etc.
• Link participants and family members to resources needed
• Educate on harm reduction, including but not limited to:
• Naloxone training, syringe exchange, Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), etc.
• One week of on-call (24/7) on a staff rotation
• Demonstrate the ability to document clearly, concisely, and accurately all interactions with participants
• Learn and understand the specific requirements, expectations, and deliverables of contracts with partners to ensure compliance and effective collaboration.
• Any other job duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Previous experience in peer support preferred
• Minimum 3-5 years active recovery, comfortable sharing brief recovery experience appropriately
• Certification as a Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) from an approved curriculum
• Familiar with motivational interviewing techniques (will train if needed)
• Knowledgeable and accepting of all recovery pathways
• Understanding of, and ability to maintain appropriate boundaries
• Valid driver’s license and vehicle
• Ability to maintain accurate documentation
• Ability to work both independently and with a team
• Ability to work in a professional manner within healthcare settings
• Understanding of HIPAA and 42 CFR pt. 2: protecting participant confidentiality
• Current knowledge of community resources (housing, treatment, etc.)