Peer Outreach Specialist

Howard University

About The Position

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission. At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth. Here is what we offer: Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture Join Howard University and thrive with us! https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness JOB PURPOSE: Working as part of a treatment team, the Peer Recovery Specialist provides non-clinical services intended to aid patients in establishing recovery from high risk of dependent alcohol and drug use problems. The Peer Recovery Specialist will work as part of the team to provide outreach, education, and peer support for persons with opioid or other substance use disorders. The Peer Recovery Specialist helps encourage and motivate persons with opioid or other substance use disorders to engage in evidence-based treatment, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder. The Peer Recovery Specialist provides manual-guided health counseling for patients starting or continuing in MAT, may assist in linking patients with additional, needed services, and maintains continuing follow-up with patients to encourage and support continuation or reengagement in treatment. SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY: None NATURE AND SCOPE: The Peer Recovery Specialist must demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to relate to patients and health professionals, as well as an ability to develop professional working relationships with partner agencies. The candidate must possess excellent listening, verbal and written communication skills, as well as good problem-solving skills. The incumbent must be able to read, interpret documents and write routine reports. Basic computer skills are required. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate a willingness to learn and an interest in acquiring new skills.

Requirements

The Peer Recovery Specialist must demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to relate to patients and health professionals, as well as an ability to develop professional working relationships with partner agencies.
The candidate must possess excellent listening, verbal and written communication skills, as well as good problem-solving skills.
The incumbent must be able to read, interpret documents and write routine reports.
Basic computer skills are required.
In addition, the candidate must demonstrate a willingness to learn and an interest in acquiring new skills.
High school diploma or G.E.D. is required.
The candidate must be actively engaged in his/her own recovery program with a minimum of three years demonstrated personal recovery and sustained abstinence from alcohol and/or drug use.
Actively in recovery with a minimum of two years of professional experience in a substance use disorder setting providing peer support/navigation; and/or Certified Peer Specialist through the DC Department of Behavioral Health; and/or a Recovery Coach.

Responsibilities

Conducts community-based outreach, education, and engagement to identify persons with opioid or other substance use disorders needing treatment and to motivate, refer, and help engage them in MAT.
Assesses patient’s history of drug/alcohol use, treatment history, motivation to change behavior and other needs for community support services.
Assesses patient’s readiness to change and use motivational interviewing techniques and other communication skills to support treatment engagement and development and implementation of plans and steps for reducing or eliminating harmful drug and/or alcohol use.
Collaborates with treatment providers and the treatment team and helps to identify additional community support services to address the patient’s needs.
Assists patients and family with understanding how to utilize MAT or other treatment and community services.
Assists patients in linking to other community support services, including securing appointment and transportation.
Acts as peer support throughout treatment, as appropriate to facilitate attainment of goals and continued participation in treatment.
Provides family members with recovery support materials.
Provides telephone or other outreach to patients to assist with linkages and continued peer support.
Models coping techniques and self-help strategies.
Participates in training to continually gain new skills.
Attends required treatment team or staff or other meetings.
Completes required documentation and other reports.
Acts as a resource to other clinical team members on recovery support.
Maintains contact with treatment providers to verify patients who showed up for appointment; and follows up with any patient that misses an appointment.