Peer Support Specialist

El Cajon Comprehensive Treatment Center • El Cajon, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Outpatient MAT Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) seeking a Peer Support Specialist. This role supports and assists patients in their recovery from Opioid Use Disorder by breaking down barriers to treatment and bridging together various entities that help an individual maintain productive, long-term recovery. The Peer Support Specialist will also assist patients in developing skills and enhancing strengths to avoid relapse and successfully navigate the full continuum of care and the road to long-term recovery.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist (CMPSS) is required.

Nice To Haves

• College degree preferred
• No previous work experience in the field is required, although highly preferred.
• Prefer direct experience in substance use disorder (SUD) through personal life experiences, instruction/internships, or similar practicum through education or certification process.
• Personal or professional experience in addiction recovery, ideally with lived experience and a demonstrated commitment to supporting others in their recovery journey.
• Familiarity with Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) approaches, including methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, and the ability to support individuals engaged in MAT services.
• Experience facilitating peer-led support groups or one-on-one recovery coaching, focusing on empowerment, motivation, and goal setting.
• Understanding of recovery-oriented and evidence-informed practices, such as Motivational Interviewing (MI), wellness planning, and relapse prevention support (note: not expected to provide clinical therapy).
• Basic documentation skills, including progress notes and recovery plan updates, in accordance with organizational guidelines and peer support best practices.
• Awareness of confidentiality and privacy standards, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, as they relate to peer support and behavioral health settings.
• Demonstrated ability to work within a multidisciplinary care team, collaborating with counselors, nurses, case managers, and medical staff to support holistic recovery.
• Peer Recovery Mentor (CPRM II)
• Professional Recovery Coach (PRC)
• CCAR Recovery Coach Professional (RCP)

Responsibilities

• Provides peer support to clinically complex patients, drawing on common experiences as a peer; validates each individuals’ experiences and provides guidance and encouragement to these individuals to take responsibility and actively participate in their own recovery.
• Engages patients referred to treatment at the initial point of contact, clinic or other community provider, to expedite screening for the appropriate level of care.
• Acts as advocate and mentor to patients in recovery to promote decision making, empowerment and engagement.
• Acts as a role model for patients by sharing effective coping techniques and self-help strategies to promote personal growth and development in handling internal and external stressors, positive health, wellness and lifestyle choices.
• Provides peer support knowledge related to treatment including methadone, buprenorphine or extended-release naltrexone injection maintenance treatment.
• Acts as a liaison between patients, clinical team and community resources including but not limited to: Assisting patients in seeking and receiving services to meet their individual social needs and provides support to facilitate patient success to maintain recovery.
• Assisting in the process of acquiring housing, necessities and skills needed to maintain daily and monthly household responsibilities and independent living.
• Assisting patients in establishing a relationship with a primary care provider or additional medical care in a coordinated/team approach.
• Serving as linkage between patients and employers in the area to assist patients in obtaining and maintaining gainful employment.
• Assisting patients with acquiring and developing life and social skills, education and other needs identified by the individual to promote quality of life after recovery.
• Serves as consultants and subject matter experts in MAT and patient participation in community support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous and Celebrate Recovery.
• Updates healthcare team on a regular basis as to the patient’s status, including, but not limited to changes in mood or functioning, medical issues and all crisis and health and safety issues.
• Documents all “no shows,” and communicates all difficulties contacting patients with appropriate office staff.
• Documents services provided regularly, concisely, and completely in accordance with clinical standards and policy guidelines.
• Attends all office trainings as well as regular clinical supervision sessions with assigned supervisor.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Semi-Annual Bonus Program
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Competitive 401(k) plan
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Early morning hours offering a great work/life balance
• Opportunity for growth that is second to none in the industry
• Eligible positions may qualify for student loan forgiveness through HRSA, depending on clinic site eligibility.

What This Job Offers

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