Peer Support Specialist - Mobile OTP Unit

COWLITZ INDIAN TRIBE•Vancouver, WA

1d•$30 - $34•Onsite

About The Position

The Peer Support Specialist supports patients in their recovery journey in a mobile opioid treatment program (OTP), offering empathy, encouragement, advocacy, and connections to essential resources. The role uses lived experience or a strong understanding of substance use recovery to engage patients in a dignified, person-centered, nonjudgmental manner. Work takes place in a mobile clinic and community settings to reduce barriers to care, improve treatment engagement, and promote recovery-oriented outcomes. The specialist helps patients identify recovery goals, navigate referrals and community resources, and remain engaged in treatment. The role includes outreach, basic patient engagement and scheduling support, documentation in the electronic health record, and collaboration with counselors, medical providers, case managers, administrative staff, and community partners. The position must follow confidentiality requirements, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, adhere to peer support ethics and scope of practice, complete required training, and uphold organizational policies and values. This is a full-time, hourly position based in Vancouver, Washington. The regular schedule is Tuesday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Saturday, 6:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required. The wage range is $29.90–$34.35 per hour. Tribal hiring preference applies in accordance with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and employee policies.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Current, active Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) credential in Washington; a CPS credential is not sufficient, and trainees are not being hired.
Lived experience with substance use recovery or a strong understanding of recovery principles.
Valid driver's license and ability to travel for mobile unit services.
Ability 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, including empathetic listening and trust-building.
Ability to maintain professional boundaries while using lived experience appropriately.
Ability to work independently in mobile and community-based settings and collaborate 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.
Must complete pre-employment drug screening and reference, education, employment, criminal background, and applicable sanction checks.
Must meet stated background investigation restrictions related to specified violence, sexual misconduct, prostitution, and crimes against persons or children.

Nice To Haves

One 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

Provide peer-based support, encouragement, and advocacy to patients in recovery.
Build trusting relationships through shared understanding, respect, and nonjudgmental communication.
Engage patients in mobile-unit and community-based services to support continued participation in treatment.
Help patients identify recovery goals and connect them with available services and supports.
Serve as a recovery role model by demonstrating hope and resilience.
Remain available to help patients access resources and referrals.
Connect patients to housing, transportation, primary care, behavioral health, and social services.
Coordinate with community agencies, tribal programs, and service providers to support continuity of care.
Maintain knowledge of community resources and develop and maintain resource guides for referrals.
Provide services in a mobile clinic and participate in community outreach, health fairs, and other engagement activities.
Support engagement of patients who may be hesitant or ambivalent about treatment.
Assist with basic patient engagement workflows, including check-in, scheduling coordination, and attendance tracking as appropriate.
Document peer interactions and services in the electronic health record in accordance with organizational standards.
Support communication between patients and care-team members.
Participate in staff meetings and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Advocate for patients and families within the care team.
Collaborate with counselors, medical providers, case managers, and administrative staff.
Promote a respectful, team-based, recovery-oriented care environment.
Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 and follow ethical guidelines and peer support scope of practice.
Complete required trainings and competencies, participate in professional development and supervision, and adapt to changing workflows, safety protocols, and mobile service needs.