Peer Recovery Support Specialist

WVU Medicine

8d • Onsite

About The Position

This position serves as a personal guide and liaison for individuals with substance use disorders identified in WVU Health System-affiliated treatment settings. The recovery coach helps patients identify treatment needs, develop and monitor individualized plans, and remain engaged in treatment. The role provides outreach, support, and recovery check-ups in treatment settings and in the community, and works as part of a treatment team.

The position is based at WVUH Neuro Assertive Community Treatment in Morgantown, West Virginia. It is scheduled for 40 hours per week, with varied shifts based on departmental and patient needs. Work may take place in an acute hospital setting and may require travel between facilities or buildings. The role is non-exempt.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Peer Recovery Certification issued by the state board where services are provided: WV Substance Use Disorder Peer Recovery Certification (PRSS-SUD) through WVCBAPP, or Maryland Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) through the Maryland Addiction & Behavioral-Health Professionals Certification Board.
• State criminal background check and federal check, if applicable, as required for regulated areas.
• Knowledge of treatment resources, including working knowledge of 12-Step Fellowships.
• Ability to comply with WVU Health System, WVU Research Corporation, UHA, and Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry safety procedures.
• Complete HIPAA training upon hire and comply with HIPAA requirements, including refresher courses as determined by administration.
• Excellent customer service and effective communication with patients, families, pharmaceutical company personnel, regulatory and monitoring agency personnel, internal staff, physicians, students, and employees of WVU Health System and UHA.
• Ability to present information effectively and respond to questions from groups, managers, clients, customers, and the public.
• Ability to analyze information, evaluate results, choose solutions, solve practical problems, and manage situations with limited standardization.
• Ability to develop goals and plans, prioritize, organize, and accomplish tasks independently and through others.
• Ability to develop and maintain constructive, cooperative working relationships.
• Ability to work as a team member.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Knowledge of basic computer applications, including Word and Excel.
• Ability to sit or stand for long periods.
• Ability to lift, push, or pull 10–15 pounds.
• Ability to wear latex or vinyl gloves, change them frequently, wash hands frequently, and tolerate noxious odors.
• Ability to work in an environment that may involve exposure to viruses, diseases, infections, traumatic situations, psychiatric crises, physical injuries, and death.

Nice To Haves

• Valid driver’s license.
• Certificate of completion of CCAR Recovery Coaching in the Emergency Department.
• At least two years of active participation in recovery and current active attendance at community recovery meetings.

Responsibilities

• Work with patients with substance use disorders identified in WVU Health System treatment settings and help link them to outpatient treatment.
• Mentor individuals experiencing substance use problems through shared life experience.
• Meet with individuals and their identified support persons in person or by phone, at a frequency and in a format agreed upon with the individual.
• Develop individualized plans with patients and monitor wellness plans during meetings.
• Provide information to the treatment team to inform treatment decisions.
• Link patients to resources, including continuing education and professional development, safe housing, recovery supports, self-help groups, substance abuse and mental health services, sobriety meetings, and medical and health facilities.
• Serve as a liaison among patients and their formal and informal supports, including referral sources, family members, sponsors, treatment providers, and other supporters.
• Maintain working relationships with WVU Health System treatment staff and other agencies or institutions to increase awareness of recovery and recovery coaching.
• Assist patients in crisis involving social, emotional, health, or other problems.

What This Job Offers

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