RECOVERY COACH, REACH PROGRAM

Full Circle•Des Moines, IA

About The Position

The Recovery Coach will provide peer recovery support services to individuals in Polk County who have experienced a recent non-fatal overdose. The Recovery Coach will work alongside a paramedic with the Des Moines Fire Department’s Mobile Integrated Healthcare Team to engage individuals in recovery-oriented services and help reduce the risk of future overdoses. The person in this position will draw from their own lived experiences to connect with and inspire individuals undergoing similar challenges. The Recovery Coach aims to motivate positive change and sustained recovery. The Recovery Coach must agree to adhere to a confidentiality agreement and demonstrate passion for Full Circle Recovery’s mission and core values, including the concept that recovery comes first. This role is ideal for someone passionate about peer recovery support, harm reduction, multiple pathways of recovery, medication assisted treatment, and recovery advocacy. It offers the opportunity to make a direct impact on individuals and communities affected by opioid use disorder and substance use disorder. This position requires discretion and independent judgement with respect to matters of significance. The person in this position must be an independent thinker, trustworthy, and responsible, with the initiative to build a new peer recovery support program. This is an exempt position and is based on a 40-hour work week. This position is grant-funded through the Polk County Opioid Settlement Fund.

Requirements

Lived experience with substance use disorder, sustained recovery, and medication assisted treatment (preferred).
Must agree to complete the CCAR Recovery Coach Academy and Ethical Considerations for Recovery Coaches within six months of hire.
Strong understanding of opioid use disorder, substance use disorder, harm reduction, recovery capital, and recovery pathways.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Must be an independent thinker, trustworthy, dependable, and responsible.
Ability to work collaboratively with diverse populations, including first responders, medical personnel, and social service providers.
Ability to listen empathetically and provide support without judgment.
Demonstrated empathy and cultural competence to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), virtual meeting platforms (e.g., Zoom), and data entry.
Valid driver’s license, good driving record, reliable transportation and car insurance.

Responsibilities

Conduct follow-ups with individuals who have experienced a non-fatal overdose along with a paramedic.
Collaborate with first responders and healthcare providers to offer timely support.
Build rapport with individuals in an understanding, non-judgmental, and compassionate manner.
Utilize lived experience to provide empathetic support and encouragement.
Help individuals navigate treatment and recovery resources.
Advocate for individuals’ needs within healthcare and social service systems.
Encourage individuals to engage with Full Circle’s Recovery Community Center.
Assist individuals in accessing treatment, harm reduction services, housing, employment resources, and other resources to help build their recovery capital.
Provide referrals to detox, residential treatment, medication-assisted treatment, and outpatient services.
Work with families to provide education and support.
Assist with educating individuals and their families about overdose prevention, including naloxone distribution and training.
Promote harm reduction strategies and safer substance use practices when applicable.
Participate in community outreach and public education initiatives.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation of interactions and referrals.
Ensure compliance and confidentiality.
Participate in team meetings and training sessions.
Engage in ongoing training and professional development to stay informed about best practices in recovery coaching on topics such as ethics, boundaries, communication skills, recovery principles, and multiple pathways of recovery.
Practice self-care to maintain personal well-being and resilience.