Peer Support Specialist - Mobile OTP Unit

COWLITZ INDIAN TRIBE • Vancouver, WA

10d • $30 - $31 • Hybrid

About The Position

Supports patients in their recovery journey by offering empathy, encouragement, and connection to essential resources within a mobile opioid treatment program (OTP) setting. This role utilizes lived experience, or a deep understanding of substance use recovery, to engage patients in a dignified, person-centered manner. The Peer Support Specialist operates in community-based and mobile environments, helping reduce barriers to care, improve engagement, and promote recovery-oriented outcomes. This position adheres to all confidentiality requirements, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, and upholds the mission, vision, and values of the organization.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• A certified/active Peer Support Specialist credential in the state of Washington is required.
• Lived experience with substance use recovery or a strong understanding of recovery principles.
• A valid driver’s license and the ability to travel for mobile unit services.
• Must be able to pass background screening in accordance with organizational and regulatory requirements.
• Knowledge of substance use recovery principles and recovery-oriented systems of care.
• Understanding of community resources and social service systems.
• Ability to engage individuals from diverse cultural, social, and economic backgrounds.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to listen empathetically and build trust.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries while using lived experience appropriately.
• Ability to work independently in mobile and community-based settings.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to maintain accurate and timely documentation.
• Basic computer skills, including use of electronic health records and communication tools.
• Ability to remain calm, flexible, and solution-focused in high-stress environments.

Nice To Haves

• One (1) year of experience in behavioral health, social services, or peer support.
• Experience working in an OTP or substance use disorder treatment setting.
• Experience in outreach, community engagement, or mobile service delivery.
• Familiarity with Medicaid systems and community-based resources.

Responsibilities

• Provides peer-based support, encouragement, and advocacy to patients in recovery.
• Builds trusting relationships with patients through shared understanding, respect, and nonjudgmental communication.
• Engages patients in services within the mobile unit and community settings to support ongoing participation in treatment.
• Assist patients in identifying recovery goals and connecting those goals to available services and supports.
• Serves as a recovery role model, demonstrating hope and resilience.
• Maintains daily availability to assist patients with accessing critical resources and referrals.
• Connects patients to housing, transportation, primary care, behavioral health, and social services.
• Coordinates with community agencies, tribal programs, and service providers to support continuity of care.
• Maintains a current and comprehensive knowledge of community resources.
• Develops and maintains resource guides for use in patient referrals.
• Provides services in a mobile clinic environment, including outreach in community settings.
• Participates in outreach activities such as health fairs, community events, and engagement efforts targeting underserved populations.
• Supports engagement of patients who may be hesitant or ambivalent about treatment.
• Assists with basic patient engagement workflows such as check-in support, scheduling coordination, and tracking attendance as appropriate.
• Documents peer interactions and services in the electronic health record (EHR) in accordance with organizational standards.
• Supports communication between patients and care team members.
• Participates in staff meetings and interdisciplinary team collaboration.
• Acts as an advocate for patients and families within the care team.
• Collaborates effectively with counselors, medical providers, case managers, and administrative staff.
• Promotes a team-based, respectful, and recovery-oriented care environment.
• Maintains strict confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2.
• Adheres to ethical guidelines and the peer support scope of practice.
• Completes all required trainings and competencies.
• Participates in ongoing professional development and supervision.
• Adapts to evolving workflows, safety protocols, and mobile service delivery needs.

Benefits

• Tribal preference in accordance with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and CIT Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook shall apply to all positions.
• All positions are required to adhere to CIT’s established safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE).

What This Job Offers

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