Peer Navigator

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Bourne, MA

14h

About The Position

The Peer Navigator provides peer-based support, encouragement, and practical guidance to post-release individuals working toward recovery and wellness. Using lived experience and peer-support principles, the role helps participants identify goals, connect with community resources, navigate healthcare and social-service systems, and build skills that support long-term recovery. The position works under the supervision of the Recovery Integration Support and Empowerment Program Director, Chief of Programs and Inmate Services, and ADS of Programs and Inmate Services, following established guidelines and best practices. The role involves supporting individuals experiencing substance-use, mental-health, or other recovery-related challenges; coordinating referrals and connections to services; facilitating recovery-focused activities; documenting services; and collaborating with program staff and community partners. The Peer Navigator maintains professional boundaries, protects confidentiality, follows safety and crisis procedures, and encourages participants to make informed decisions about their care and recovery. Duties may change with or without notice. The work may take place in an office, community settings, healthcare facilities, recovery centers, shelters, or participants’ homes. Local travel, flexible scheduling, and occasional evening or weekend work may be required depending on program needs.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent certificate.
LADC/CADC or Recovery Coach Certificate; if the candidate does not have relevant training or certification at hire, training is required within six months of hire.
Lived experience with a substance-use condition, including at least one year of abstinence and active engagement in recovery, or experience working with individuals with behavioral-health challenges, including substance-use disorders.
Valid Massachusetts driver’s license.
Strong communication, listening, organization, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to establish trusting relationships while maintaining professional boundaries.
Attention to detail and organizational skills.
Ability to follow agency policies and procedures.
Ability to prioritize and solve problems in a high-pressure environment.
Ability to maintain necessary certifications.
Ability to exercise discretion and good judgment and handle confidential information.
Working knowledge of corrections terminology, procedures, and the interrelationships of the criminal justice system and recovery programs.
Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Equivalent education and experience may be considered.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related area of study.
Knowledge of local community resources and recovery-support services.

Responsibilities

Provide one-on-one peer support to post-release individuals facing substance-use, mental-health, or other recovery-related challenges.
Use lived experience appropriately to offer hope, encouragement, and motivation.
Help participants identify personal goals and develop individualized recovery and wellness plans.
Assist participants in navigating healthcare, behavioral-health, housing, employment, benefits, transportation, and other community resources.
Provide referrals and warm handoffs to appropriate providers and community organizations.
Help participants overcome barriers to accessing services and maintaining engagement in care.
Promote harm-reduction, recovery-oriented, and person-centered approaches.
Support participants in developing coping strategies, life skills, self-advocacy skills, and healthy support networks.
Facilitate or co-facilitate peer support groups, educational activities, or recovery-focused programming.
Maintain timely and accurate documentation of contacts, services, referrals, and outcomes.
Participate in team meetings, case consultations, training, and supervision.
Collaborate respectfully with clinical staff, healthcare providers, social-service agencies, and community partners.
Maintain professional boundaries and protect participant privacy and confidentiality.
Respond appropriately to participant concerns and follow organizational safety and crisis procedures.
Encourage participants to make informed decisions about their recovery and care.