Peer Recovery Coach

Maryland Wellness•Cumberland, MD

5d•$18 - $22

About The Position

The Peer Recovery Coach (PRC) provides non-clinical, recovery-oriented support to individuals participating in Maryland Wellness’ Residential, Intensive Outpatient (IOP), and related behavioral health programs. Using their lived recovery experience, the PRC offers strengths-based, client-centered peer support to individuals facing substance use and mental health challenges. The PRC helps clients navigate barriers, build recovery capital, and access resources such as housing, employment, social supports, and harm reduction services. As part of the multidisciplinary team, the PRC promotes hope, reduces stigma, and supports client empowerment while ensuring services align with COMAR, CARF standards, and Medicaid requirements. Requirements ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES : Engage persons served by building trusting, supportive relationships based on shared experience of recovery. Support individuals in developing and achieving self-directed recovery goals. Facilitate connections to community-based supports, peer groups, and natural recovery resources. Provide mentoring, coaching, and role-modeling of recovery-oriented living. Advocate for the needs and rights of persons served within the treatment setting and in the community. Collaborate with treatment team members, providing input into person-centered planning and care coordination. Assist with orientation, engagement, and retention of individuals in IOP/OP/Residential programs. Document peer support encounters in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) using approved service codes. Report safety concerns or clinical issues (e.g., suicidal ideation, overdose risk, abuse/neglect) immediately to a counselor or supervisor. Maintain strict adherence to ethical guidelines, professional boundaries, confidentiality (HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2). Participate in training, supervision, and professional development activities. Promote a recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive environment. EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS : High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred. Maryland Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) credential required, or willingness to obtain CPRS certification within 12 months of employment. Minimum of two years of sustained recovery from substance use and/or mental health challenges. Lived experience with recovery and the ability to appropriately share personal experiences to support others in their recovery journey. Knowledge of recovery principles, peer support practices, harm reduction approaches, and community resources. Basic computer skills and ability to use Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems. CPR and First Aid certification required (may be obtained after hire). Be a resident or work in the state where you are applying. Must pass required background checks and reference verification. EXPERIENCE : Experience in case management, advocacy, peer support, or community outreach preferred. Ability to build rapport and engage clients using active listening and recovery-oriented communication. Ability to manage stress, support clients through challenges, and maintain a strengths-based recovery approach. Ability to maintain professional boundaries while modeling recovery, wellness, and self-care. SUPERVISION : The Peer Recovery Coach receives direct supervision from a licensed clinician or certified peer supervisor. Supervision includes review of documentation, case consultation, support for professional development, and monitoring of ethical conduct. WORK ENVIRONMENT : PRCs work in outpatient behavioral health settings, including group rooms, offices, and community locations. Some travel may be required to accompany clients to community resources or recovery support activities. PRCs must be able to work with diverse populations and demonstrate flexibility in managing a dynamic, recovery-oriented environment. Physical Requirements : Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods. Must be able to engage in active listening, speak clearly, and document interactions in the EHR. Occasional lifting of up to 20-25 pounds may be required. Compliance and Regulations: All duties are performed in compliance with COMAR regulations, CARF Behavioral Health Standards, Medicaid/Medicare requirements, HIPAA, and organizational policies. PRCs must uphold the Maryland Wellness Code of Ethics, including maintaining professional boundaries and immediately reporting any concerns related to client safety, quality of care, or ethical issues. Please note: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the staff member for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice as dictated by the needs of the organization. Salary Description $18-$22/hr

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Maryland Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) credential required, or willingness to obtain CPRS certification within 12 months of employment.
Minimum of two years of sustained recovery from substance use and/or mental health challenges.
Lived experience with recovery and the ability to appropriately share personal experiences to support others in their recovery journey.
Knowledge of recovery principles, peer support practices, harm reduction approaches, and community resources.
Basic computer skills and ability to use Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems.
CPR and First Aid certification required (may be obtained after hire).
Be a resident or work in the state where you are applying.
Must pass required background checks and reference verification.

Nice To Haves

Experience in case management, advocacy, peer support, or community outreach preferred.
Ability to build rapport and engage clients using active listening and recovery-oriented communication.
Ability to manage stress, support clients through challenges, and maintain a strengths-based recovery approach.
Ability to maintain professional boundaries while modeling recovery, wellness, and self-care.

Responsibilities

Engage persons served by building trusting, supportive relationships based on shared experience of recovery.
Support individuals in developing and achieving self-directed recovery goals.
Facilitate connections to community-based supports, peer groups, and natural recovery resources.
Provide mentoring, coaching, and role-modeling of recovery-oriented living.
Advocate for the needs and rights of persons served within the treatment setting and in the community.
Collaborate with treatment team members, providing input into person-centered planning and care coordination.
Assist with orientation, engagement, and retention of individuals in IOP/OP/Residential programs.
Document peer support encounters in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) using approved service codes.
Report safety concerns or clinical issues (e.g., suicidal ideation, overdose risk, abuse/neglect) immediately to a counselor or supervisor.
Maintain strict adherence to ethical guidelines, professional boundaries, confidentiality (HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2).
Participate in training, supervision, and professional development activities.
Promote a recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive environment.