Peer Recovery Specialist – Full-Time, Day Shift

UHS • Washington, DC

10d

About The Position

Psychiatric Institute of Washington (PIW) is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Peer Recovery Specialist to provide individualized recovery support to patients experiencing substance use challenges. The role helps patients identify their needs, develop recovery goals, and connect with resources that support long-term wellness. The specialist supports recovery, encourages continued engagement in treatment, and connects patients with resources for sustained success. The role works with patients and multidisciplinary care teams in a 130-bed behavioral healthcare facility offering inpatient, outpatient, and partial hospitalization programs.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Entry-level related experience (0–1 year).
• CPR/BLS Certification through the American Heart Association (AHA).
• Current state or national certification as a Peer Recovery Specialist, or the ability to obtain certification within six months of employment.
• Knowledge of substance use disorders, recovery principles, relapse prevention, and available community treatment resources.
• Ability to communicate effectively, establish rapport with patients, and navigate challenging situations using verbal de-escalation techniques.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, data entry, and accurate documentation.

Nice To Haves

• Additional education, including vocational or technical training, an associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree.
• One to five years of related experience in substance use recovery, behavioral healthcare, peer support, or a related setting.
• Experience facilitating recovery-focused groups, support meetings, or psychoeducational sessions.
• Familiarity with recovery support programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), SMART Recovery, and other community-based resources.

Responsibilities

• Build supportive relationships with patients receiving substance use treatment and identify their individual needs, recovery goals, and readiness for change.
• Provide individualized recovery support and brief interventions to help patients navigate challenges and explore treatment options.
• Facilitate assigned recovery-focused group sessions and maintain timely, accurate documentation in the electronic medical record (EMR).
• Educate patients about community-based recovery programs, treatment services, and resources that support continued care.
• Collaborate with nurses, counselors, therapists, and community agencies to coordinate referrals, aftercare planning, and warm handoffs.
• Conduct post-discharge outreach with patients identified as being at high risk for opioid or stimulant relapse, encouraging continued engagement in recovery services.
• Communicate relevant patient information to the multidisciplinary treatment team while maintaining professionalism, accuracy, and confidentiality.

Benefits

• Generous Paid Time Off
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Additional insurance coverage, such as life insurance, disability insurance, and pet insurance
• Pre-tax Metro SmartTrip Benefits
• 401(K) with company match and discounted stock plan
• Tuition Reimbursement and Student Loan Repayment Program
• SoFi Student Loan Refinancing Program
• Career development opportunities within UHS and its subsidiaries

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED