Peer Navigator-East of the River

Unity Health Care.•Washington, DC

7d•$44,240 - $49,770•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Senior Director of Behavioral Health, the Peer Navigator serves as an integral member of Unity Health Care’s Substance Use Services team. Utilizing personal lived experience with addiction and recovery, the Peer Navigator builds therapeutic relationships with patients experiencing substance use disorders and supports them throughout their recovery journey. This role uses a strengths-based, patient-centered approach to increase engagement in treatment, enhance motivation for change, reduce barriers to care, and connect patients with community resources that support long-term recovery and wellness. Services are primarily provided within Unity Health Care clinic settings, with community outreach conducted as needed for high-risk patients and those with ongoing social service needs.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED required
Minimum of two (2) years of demonstrated personal recovery and sustained abstinence from alcohol and/or drug use required
Strong commitment to recovery-oriented, patient-centered care
Ability to effectively engage individuals with substance use disorders and support behavior change
Excellent interpersonal, communication, listening, and relationship-building skills
Basic computer proficiency required
Ability to work with individuals from diverse social, cultural, and economic backgrounds
Demonstrated cultural competence and sensitivity to vulnerable populations
Ability to manage complex emotional situations while maintaining professionalism and resilience
Willingness to learn, grow professionally, and acquire new skills

Nice To Haves

Certification as a Peer Specialist in Washington, DC, Maryland, or Virginia preferred but not required
Experience working in healthcare, behavioral health, substance use treatment, or community-based settings preferred
Familiarity with harm reduction, recovery support services, and community resource navigation preferred

Responsibilities

Identify patients at risk for substance use disorders through validated screening tools
Use non-judgmental, recovery-oriented communication to explore substance use history, treatment experiences, and recovery goals
Assess readiness for change and utilize motivational interviewing techniques to support behavior change and engagement in care
Assist patients in establishing personal recovery, wellness, and health-related goals
Conduct outreach to engage patients who have been referred or have fallen out of treatment
Provide education on overdose prevention, harm reduction strategies, and naloxone use
Ensure patients and family/support systems have access to naloxone and understand how to administer it
Collaborate with patients, case managers, and interdisciplinary care teams to connect individuals with community resources and support services
Provide recovery support materials and education to family members when appropriate
Develop and maintain relationships with community organizations, treatment providers, support groups, and social service agencies
Participate in multidisciplinary care meetings, quality improvement initiatives, and community outreach efforts
Complete documentation, reports, and required data collection accurately and in a timely manner
Participate in ongoing training and professional development activities to maintain and enhance peer support skills