Peer Intake Specialist

Hudson Health Services•Salisbury, MD

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Peer Intake Specialist coordinates admissions, removes barriers to treatment, and provides recovery-oriented peer engagement and support to individuals seeking substance use disorder treatment. The role welcomes prospective patients and visitors, manages admission coordination and documentation, responds to inquiries, works with referral sources and internal departments, and supports individuals through admission and treatment transitions. Using lived recovery experience appropriately, the specialist encourages self-directed recovery goals and collaborates with the treatment team while maintaining confidentiality and professional boundaries. This is an on-site position requiring 40 hours per week, with travel to Hudson Health facilities as needed. The specialist participates in scheduled overnight, weekend, and other after-hours on-call coverage. The position does not supervise other employees and may provide short-term coverage for other roles when staff are absent.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Attention to detail and ability to analyze and report findings.
Valid driver’s license with no more than two violations.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English.
Knowledge of modern office procedures, including filing systems.
Ability to learn and use computer applications for word processing, spreadsheets, calendars, and email.
Knowledge of HIPAA and other confidentiality requirements, COMAR, and applicable regulations, policies, and procedures governing HBH.
Willingness to obtain Peer Support Specialist Certification.
Ability to work on-site 40 hours per week and travel to Hudson Health facilities as needed.
Ability to work in a healthcare environment, including assisting patients in infection-control isolation using provided PPE.
Ability to use office equipment and to stand, sit, and use a computer for prolonged periods.
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds, walk, climb steps, and operate a standard keyboard and office equipment.
Ability to meet stated vision requirements and communicate clearly verbally and in writing.
Ability to maintain ethical conduct, confidentiality, and strict boundaries between patients and staff.
Must have a negative TB screen and pass urine drug screening.
Availability for scheduled overnight, weekend, and other after-hours on-call coverage.

Nice To Haves

Peer Support Specialist Certification.
Experience in addiction and/or mental health treatment.
Experience with admissions processes.

Responsibilities

Follow the HBH Emergency Preparedness Plan and established policies, procedures, handbooks, and manuals; ensure patients follow applicable requirements during direct care.
Complete mandatory monthly on-site staff training and incident reports for unusual events or risks to patients or staff.
Greet prospective patients and visitors, create a welcoming environment, and initiate the admissions process.
Coordinate admissions, schedule appointments, maintain the daily bed schedule, and monitor census, anticipated admissions, and discharges.
Complete and maintain admission documentation from initial contact through bed assignment, including authorizations, electronic health records, patient files, and admissions logs.
Answer admissions calls, assist with telephone screenings, obtain intake information, and provide program information and referrals as appropriate.
Liaise with referral sources and coordinate with internal departments to support timely and appropriate admissions.
Verify insurance and complete required legal, registry, and other admission-related checks in accordance with established procedures.
Collaborate with the Director of Admissions and other departments to address admission barriers and prepare required reports.
Participate in scheduled overnight, weekend, and other after-hours on-call coverage to respond to inquiries, coordinate referrals, and assist with admissions.
Use lived recovery experience appropriately to build rapport, encourage, and support prospective and newly admitted patients.
Explain the admission process, explore concerns, and encourage self-directed recovery goals for individuals who are anxious or uncertain about treatment.
Identify and communicate admission or continued-treatment barriers; support individuals considering leaving and involve clinical or nursing staff as needed.
Help patients identify strengths, recovery resources, and continuing-care supports, and assist with supportive transitions and referrals.
Document peer support contacts, maintain appropriate boundaries and confidentiality, and collaborate with the treatment team.
Perform other duties assigned by a supervisor and provide short-term coverage for roles as needed due to staff absence.