PRN Community Outreach Peer Support Specialist

Mental Health Cooperative•Nashville, TN

About The Position

Ranked one of Tennessee’s top places to work, MHC is a rare and special place where outstanding company culture is intentional. Where clients and associates are treated the same, as equals. Mental Health Cooperative, Inc. (MHC) was formed in 1993 to serve individuals with severe and persistent mental illness. Since then, we have expanded our services to children and adolescents with severe emotional disorders across Middle and East Tennessee. Our sole purpose is to support and treat those challenged with serious mental illness and poverty. Although based out of Nashville, we serve several communities across middle and East Tennessee with satellite offices in Antioch, Gallatin, Dickson, Columbia, Cleveland, Murfreesboro, Clarksville, Cookeville, Chattanooga, and Memphis. If you are interested in joining a team that is caring, collaborative, innovative and energizing this might be a great place for you! The PRN Community Outreach Peer Support Specialist provides flexible, community-based support to individuals experiencing substance use disorders. This role leverages lived experience and peer support principles to engage individuals where they are, reduce barriers to care, and promote harm reduction, recovery, and connection to treatment and community resources. The position requires adaptability, strong interpersonal skills, and a "do what it takes" outreach mindset.

Requirements

Lived experience with substance use recovery and/or significant experience supporting individuals with SUD
Peer Support Specialist certification
Strong communication and engagement skills
Ability to work independently in community-based settings
Comfort working with diverse populations and high-acuity situations
Basic computer and documentation skills
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

Nice To Haves

Experience in harm reduction, outreach, or community health
Knowledge of local SUD treatment systems and community resources
Experience working with mobile outreach programs

Responsibilities

Engage individuals in the community through outreach events, mobile units, resource fairs, and street-based outreach
Provide peer support grounded in lived experience, harm reduction, and recovery-oriented practices
Offer support and engagement at clinic-based services (e.g., MAT clinics, Flourish Clinic, or similar settings)
Respond to community referrals, including time-sensitive or after-hours needs when scheduled
Assist individuals with navigating treatment options, appointments, transportation, and follow-up care
Provide education on harm reduction strategies, overdose prevention, and available community resources
Distribute harm reduction supplies in accordance with program policies
Build and maintain positive relationships with community partners (hospitals, first responders, shelters, treatment providers)
Document outreach encounters and referrals accurately and timely per program requirements
Participate in team meetings, trainings, and supervision as scheduled
Maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality, and ethical peer support standards