Outreach Peer Support Specialist

Doing it together•Detroit, MI

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Detroit Recovery Project (DRP) is seeking a compassionate and community-focused Outreach Peer Support Specialist to provide outreach, harm reduction education, health education, and linkage to supportive services throughout the Detroit metropolitan area. This role works directly with individuals in the community, including people who use or inject drugs, to reduce harm, increase access to care, and support individuals in reaching their identified goals. DRP is a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) dedicated to transforming lives through integrated behavioral health, primary care, prevention, recovery support, and community-based services. Our mission is to empower individuals and strengthen communities by addressing the whole person through compassionate, evidence-based care that promotes long-term health, wellness, and recovery.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED.
Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with substance use disorder (SUD) or HIV populations.
Strong organizational skills.
Knowledge of local resources, including housing, medical care, and other supportive services.
Familiarity with Detroit-area substance use disorder resources.
Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office.
Ability to communicate effectively, work collaboratively, and build positive working relationships.
Ability to take initiative and work toward departmental goals and objectives.
Ability to exercise discretion and sound judgment when handling sensitive or confidential information.
Valid and unrestricted Driver's License.
Reliable transportation with current automobile insurance meeting agency requirements.
Ability to travel throughout the metropolitan area and between program locations as needed.
Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Nice To Haves

Associate's degree in Guidance and Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, Vocational Rehabilitation, Business Administration, Public Health Administration, or a related field.
Lived experience with substance use disorder and STIs.
MCBAP and/or MDHHS certifications.
Experience working with EMR/EHR systems.

Responsibilities

Conduct outreach activities designed to increase participant engagement and access to services.
Identify, locate, recruit, and engage participants as needed.
Engage people who inject or use drugs (PWID/PWUD) in harm reduction services.
Build positive, professional, and supportive relationships with participants.
Help participants cultivate independence, self-confidence, and self-esteem.
Maintain ongoing contact and outreach with participants as they work toward identified goals and services.
Provide services directly to individuals in the community, including through DRP's mobile unit.
Educate participants on harm reduction practices and the potential health risks associated with substance use.
Maintain knowledge of infectious diseases as they relate to PWID/PWUD and educate participants on risk reduction and prevention.
Provide rapid HIV/HCV testing.
Distribute safe-use and safe-sex supplies.
Practice harm reduction principles, including meeting individuals where they are and providing services with integrity, kindness, and respect.
Connect participants with identified community resources and supportive services.
Assist individuals with accessing housing, substance use treatment, medical services, employment, and other identified needs.
Maintain familiarity with substance use disorder and community resources throughout Detroit.
Coordinate and facilitate support services to promote successful program participation.
Accurately document services provided to participants.
Enter participant information and service data using an iPad or tablet during or following participant meetings.
Document ongoing calls, outreach attempts, and progress toward participant goals.
Support the team in meeting established monthly program goals.
Track certification requirements, key due dates, and continuing education requirements.
Attend and participate in required training.
Maintain compliance with organizational policies and procedures, HIPAA standards, the corporate compliance program, code of ethics, and applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
Perform other related duties as assigned.