Peer Support Specialist

Presbyterian System Services • Albuquerque, NM

48d • Onsite

About The Position

Be a source of hope, encouragement, and support for individuals on their journey to recovery. Peer Recovery Support Specialists provide Recovery Coaching to patients experiencing mental health and substance use disorders. Recovery Coaching includes non-clinical activities based on shared experience that engage, educate, and support individuals throughout their recovery journey. In this role, you will serve as a catalyst for recovery and empowerment, helping guide the recovery process while supporting each individual’s choices, goals, and decisions. You may assist patients in identifying personal and environmental barriers to recovery, connecting with the recovery community, and navigating personal and family recovery. As a guide and mentor rather than a sponsor, you will model resiliency, recovery, and effective coping skills. You’ll also work closely with each patient’s treatment team and, when appropriate, their family and community to provide ongoing support throughout the recovery process.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Knowledge of community resources required.
• Must register for a Peer Certification class within six months of hire.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills required.
• Basic computer skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Familiarity with readiness assessment tools and SBIRT.

Nice To Haves

• Current New Mexico driver’s license preferred.
• Certified Narcan Educator preferred.
• Training in Motivational Interviewing skills preferred.
• Previous experience working in a hospital or Emergency Department (ED) setting preferred.
• Experience working with confidential medical records and documentation preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates and communicates with hospital staff, funders, and community partners as required.
• Creates reports and presentations as required.
• Works independently and with a multidisciplinary team to provide services and deliverables as required by PHS and/or funders.
• Engages patients in their recovery using Motivational Interviewing skills.
• Provides patient assessments.
• Provides Naloxone education in partnership with nursing and medical personnel.
• Identifies and provides community resources.
• Works with ancillary and community providers to ensure a seamless transition and continuity of care.
• Supports patients in connecting with community resources and appointments prior to discharge.
• Regularly contacts patients after discharge.
• Manages and maintains patient tracking and outcomes.
• Complies with hospital, funding, State, and Federal regulations.
• Uses personal experiences to develop meaningful and trusting relationships with patients while serving as a mentor. As someone who has successfully managed their own recovery, the Peer Recovery Support Specialist provides patients with an example of what they can strive for in their own recovery.
• Supports the facility by coordinating patient arrival and departure logistics, including arranging transportation, managing follow-up appointments, and working with facility administrators and discharge staff.
• Helps build a supportive community for both patients and staff that is conducive to patient growth and recovery. May assist with creating and implementing social activities and fostering a positive environment for everyone.
• Connects patients with community organizations and resources that provide additional support, particularly as they transition from recovery back into the community. Resources may include continued healthcare, housing, employment assistance, additional treatment services, and support reconnecting with friends, family, and the broader community.

Benefits

• Educational and career development options, including tuition and certification reimbursement, scholarship opportunities
• Staff Safety (a wearable badge that allows nurses to quickly and discreetly call for help when safety is a concern)
• Differentials for night/weekend shifts, higher education, certifications and various lead roles (for eligible positions)
• Malpractice liability insurance
• Loan forgiveness through the New Mexico Higher Education Department
• EPIC electronic charting system
• Presbyterian employees have access to a fun, engaging and unique wellness program, including free on-site and community-based gyms, nutrition coaching and classes, mindfulness and meditation resources, wellness challenges and more.

What This Job Offers

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