Peer Recovery Specialist

North Homes Children & Family Services • Bemidji, MN

2h • $19 - $23

About The Position

The Peer Recovery Specialist provides individualized, non-clinical, recovery-oriented support to individuals receiving substance use disorder services, including people with co-occurring mental health needs. Under the direction of the Outpatient Substance Use Disorder Program Director and Clinical Supervisor, the specialist uses lived recovery experience, training, and knowledge of community resources to offer encouragement, mentorship, advocacy, and practical assistance.

Using strengths-based, trauma-informed, and person-centered approaches, the specialist helps individuals build confidence, identify strengths, overcome barriers, and pursue personal recovery goals. The role works collaboratively with individuals, families, clinical staff, and community partners to promote self-determination, wellness, independence, and long-term recovery, while serving as a connection between individuals, their treatment teams, and community recovery resources and maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.

Requirements

• At least one year in personal recovery from a substance use disorder.
• Hold a current, qualifying recovery peer credential from the Minnesota Certification Board, Upper Midwest Indian Council on Addictive Disorders, or National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC), consistent with Minnesota requirements.
• Demonstrated understanding of recovery principles, peer support, advocacy, ethical boundaries, and person-centered services.
• Ability to use lived recovery experience appropriately and professionally to support individuals in their recovery journeys.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and with multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries, and accurate documentation.
• Willingness and ability to participate in required supervision and maintain applicable certification requirements.

Nice To Haves

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous experience providing peer support, recovery coaching, advocacy, or community-based support services.
• Familiarity with Minnesota's substance use disorder treatment system and community recovery resources.
• Experience supporting individuals with co-occurring substance use and mental health needs.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing principles, harm reduction, and recovery-oriented approaches.
• Experience working with electronic health records or other documentation systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized peer recovery support, encouragement, mentoring, and recovery coaching to people seeking or maintaining recovery from substance use disorders.
• Help individuals identify personal strengths, values, recovery goals, and strategies to overcome barriers to recovery.
• Collaborate with individuals to develop, implement, and review individualized recovery plans that support their goals, independence, and overall well-being.
• Use personal lived recovery experience appropriately to build trust, foster hope, and demonstrate that recovery is possible.
• Help individuals identify and access community resources, including housing, transportation, employment, education, food assistance, healthcare, and recovery support services.
• Support individuals in navigating substance use disorder treatment services, community-based supports, and other resources that promote sustained recovery.
• Encourage healthy coping strategies, self-advocacy skills, positive relationships, and natural support systems.
• Provide education, encouragement, and support about recovery processes and available resources to individuals and, when appropriate and authorized, their families.
• Collaborate with clinical staff, care coordinators, and community partners to support continuity of care and successful transitions between services.
• Assist individuals in recognizing potential barriers, identifying solutions, and strengthening skills for recovery and independent living.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and appropriate documentation of peer recovery services in accordance with organizational policies and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA, applicable substance use disorder confidentiality requirements, professional ethics, and organizational policies.
• Participate in required supervision, staff meetings, professional development, and continuing education activities.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and provide services within the established scope of practice for Peer Recovery Specialists.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Program Director or Clinical Supervisor.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed