Alumni & Life Skills Coordinator

The Healing Place • Wilmington, NC

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Alumni & Life Skills Coordinator supports the mission of The Healing Place of New Hanover County by building an engaged, lasting alumni community, cultivating a committed volunteer base, and leading the life skills programming that prepares clients for sustained recovery and independent living. This role bridges the gap between treatment and long-term recovery, ensuring every client leaves with practical skills, a dependable support network, and an ongoing connection to the recovery community. The ideal candidate is an energetic facilitator and organizer, grounded in the peer-driven social model of recovery, and passionate about helping individuals build the recovery capital they need to thrive. This position reports to the Director of Development but is a program-focused role, functionally separate from fundraising.

Requirements

• Lived experience in recovery from a substance use disorder, with a minimum of two years of continuous recovery, strongly preferred.
• North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist (NCCPSS) credential preferred, or willingness to obtain within six months of hire.
• Minimum of two years of experience in group facilitation, teaching, peer support, case management, or volunteer management; behavioral health or substance use treatment experience preferred.
• High school diploma or GED required; associate or bachelor's degree in human services, education, social work, or a related field preferred.
• Strong facilitation, public speaking, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage groups with respect, warmth, and energy.
• High attention to detail and strong organizational abilities, with a record of meeting documentation and reporting deadlines.
• Working knowledge of HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, or ability to complete required training upon hire.
• Demonstrated ability to recruit, motivate, and retain volunteers, with experience using electronic volunteer management platforms preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with databases or tracking systems is a plus.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Passion for the mission and values of The Healing Place of New Hanover County.

Nice To Haves

• Lived experience in recovery from a substance use disorder, with a minimum of two years of continuous recovery.
• North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist (NCCPSS) credential.
• Associate or bachelor's degree in human services, education, social work, or a related field.
• Experience using electronic volunteer management platforms.
• Experience with databases or tracking systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and grow a structured alumni program that keeps graduates actively connected to The Healing Place community after program completion.
• Plan and facilitate regular alumni meetings, recovery milestone celebrations, service opportunities, and sober social and community events.
• Maintain an accurate alumni database and conduct scheduled post-discharge follow-up (e.g., at 30, 90, 180, and 365 days) with clients who have provided written consent.
• Recruit, train, and support alumni volunteers to serve as mentors, speakers, and recovery ambassadors for current clients.
• Provide alumni success stories, with appropriate written authorization, for organizational communications; this role does not solicit donations from alumni, clients, or families.
• Maintain a clear separation between alumni recovery support and fundraising, referring any alumni interest in giving to the Development team.
• Coordinate, schedule, and deliver the life skills curriculum, including budgeting and financial literacy, employment readiness, housing navigation, nutrition and wellness, time management, communication, healthy relationships, and accessing community resources.
• Recruit, orient, and coordinate volunteer and community partner instructors, ensuring every session is consistent in quality, delivered on schedule, and aligned with program goals.
• Review and update the curriculum at least annually using participant feedback, outcome data, and recognized evidence-informed practices.
• Deliver instruction that is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and adapted to a range of learning styles and literacy levels.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all volunteers, creating a welcoming, well-organized experience that keeps volunteers motivated and returning.
• Use the organization's electronic volunteer management system to schedule volunteers, monitor onboarding progress, and keep records current, ensuring no volunteer begins service until required screening and paperwork are complete.
• Match volunteers to meaningful roles based on their skills, interests, and availability, including life skills instruction, mentoring, events, and facility support.
• Provide orientation on the organization's mission, the social model of recovery, boundaries, and confidentiality expectations under HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2.
• Maintain regular communication with volunteers through updates, check-ins, and feedback, and promptly address concerns or scheduling gaps.
• Plan and lead volunteer recognition efforts, including appreciation events, milestone acknowledgments, and highlights of volunteer impact.
• Track volunteer hours, retention, and engagement, and report monthly on volunteer activity and program impact.
• Collaborate with program managers and clinical staff on discharge and transition planning, including connections to recovery housing, outpatient services, employment, and community supports.
• Link clients to mutual-aid groups, recovery community organizations, and other recovery capital resources before discharge so no one leaves without a plan for support.
• Serve as a visible recovery role model, reinforcing the values and practices of the peer-driven social model.
• Document attendance, participation, and services accurately and on time in accordance with organizational policy, applicable payer requirements, and CARF standards.
• Track and report alumni engagement and life skills outcomes monthly, including participation, completion, post-discharge connection, and housing and employment status where available.
• Protect client privacy in full compliance with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, including obtaining valid consent before any alumni outreach or disclosure of client information.
• Participate in quality improvement activities, internal audits, and accreditation readiness efforts.
• Work closely with the Men's and Women's Program Managers, monitor staff, and clinical team to align life skills programming with program schedules and client needs.
• Represent The Healing Place of New Hanover County at recovery events, community gatherings, and partner meetings as needed.
• Support other administrative or mission-driven tasks as assigned by the Director of Development.

Benefits

• Equal opportunity employer.
• Value lived experience.
• Welcome applicants of all backgrounds, including individuals in recovery.
• Criminal history is not an automatic disqualifier; employment is contingent on a background check and drug screen in accordance with organizational policy.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED