Peer Recovery Specialist

St Johns Community Health•Los Angeles, CA

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Peer Recovery Navigator is a key member of the Street Medicine Team, providing field-based outreach, engagement, and care coordination to individuals experiencing homelessness and substance use disorders. This role combines lived experience-informed peer support with Community Health Worker (CHW) responsibilities to connect patients to essential medical, behavioral health, and social services. The Peer Recovery Navigator will play a critical role in supporting Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT) expansion, HIV initiatives, and grant-related program activities.

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent GED.
Must self-identify as a current or past consumer of mental health services or substance use. Having a relative that identifies with the mentioned above also qualifies.
Must possess the ability to speak to individuals on 1:1 basis or in a group.
Reliable transportation and flexibility to travel between Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside Counties as needed.
Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist (PSS) required or ability to obtain within 6–12 months of hire OR completion of a state-approved peer support training program and successful certification exam required.
Must maintain certification and complete continuing education requirements.

Nice To Haves

Associate Degree in a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct street-based outreach and build trusting relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness and substance use disorders.
Provide peer support, mentorship, and recovery-oriented guidance based on lived experience (if applicable).
Support patients in accessing and adhering to treatment plans, including MAT services.
Accompany patients to appointments when appropriate and provide follow-up support.
Facilitate referrals to substance use treatment programs, primary care, mental health services, housing resources, and social services.
Assist patients with navigation of healthcare systems, including enrollment in benefits and linkage to care.
Collaborate closely with providers, case managers, and community partners to ensure continuity of care.
Support the expansion and delivery of Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT) services in the field and clinic settings.
Educate patients on MAT options and reduce stigma associated with treatment.
Assist with patient tracking, follow-ups, and engagement in MAT services.
Conduct outreach, education, and linkage to HIV prevention, testing, and treatment services.
Support adherence to HIV care plans and coordinate with HIV service providers.
Participate in grant-related activities tied to MAT program expansion, including data collection and reporting.
Attend required meetings such as bi-monthly learning collaboratives and team trainings.
Assist with completion of program assessments and required deliverables (e.g., baseline and final assessments, semi-annual reports).
Provide health education on harm reduction, overdose prevention, chronic disease management, and wellness.
Conduct basic screenings and assist with health-related social needs assessments.
Support outreach events, encampment visits, and mobile clinic operations.
Assist the Street Medicine Team with general field operations, including mobile clinic setup and patient flow.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation of patient interactions and services provided.
Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and quality improvement efforts.