Registered Alcohol and Drug Peer Support Specialist

VOA Mid-States • Somerset, KY

6d

About The Position

Volunteers of America Mid-States is seeking a Registered Alcohol and Drug Peer Support Specialist for its Addiction Recovery Services program in Somerset, Kentucky. The specialist provides peer support to people in recovery from substance use disorders, respecting each individual’s path to recovery and drawing on working knowledge of the drug and alcohol treatment system. The role serves as a model, mentor, advocate, and motivator to help prevent relapse and promote long-term recovery. The specialist shares personal recovery experiences and develops authentic peer-to-peer relationships.

The position provides recovery education and coaching across all phases of recovery, helps individuals develop self-directed recovery plans, promotes self-advocacy, and connects people with community-based and professional resources. It also supports continued engagement after participants leave the program and contributes to community relationships and training opportunities. This is a full-time, hourly, non-exempt position reporting to the Senior Program Manager - Recovery Community Center.

Requirements

• High school graduate or GED.
• Registered Alcohol and Drug Peer Support Specialist in good standing with the Kentucky Board of Alcohol and Drug Counselors.
• Valid Kentucky driver’s license and current automobile insurance.
• Minimum of one year of sobriety.

Nice To Haves

• Two years of demonstrated, successful, sustained recovery is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain project logs, reports, and records in appropriate files and databases.
• Provide recovery education for every phase of the recovery journey, from pre-recovery engagement through sustained recovery maintenance.
• Model for people in recovery and staff that recovery is possible.
• Help recovering individuals identify their interests, goals, strengths, and weaknesses related to recovery.
• Assist and coach individuals in developing their own plans for advancing recovery and achieving the life they want.
• Facilitate the transition from a professionally directed service plan to a self-directed Recovery Plan, with the goal of community-supported recovery maintenance.
• Promote self-advocacy by helping individuals ensure their voices are heard and their needs, goals, and objectives remain central to rehabilitation and clinical services.
• Identify and support connections to community resources aligned with individuals’ goals and interests, collaborating with the individual, agency staff, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Support connections to community-based mutual self-help groups and link individuals to appropriate professional resources when needed.
• Offer hope and encouragement for participation in community activities such as work, school, relationships, physical activity, and hobbies.
• Develop relationships with community groups and agencies in partnership with others in the agency.
• As the role and knowledge develop, visit community resources with recovering individuals to help them become familiar with opportunities.
• Identify internal and external barriers to participation in community resources and develop strategies to overcome them.
• Maintain phone and/or email contact with individuals after they leave the program to support ongoing success and re-engagement when needed, in partnership with others in the agency.
• Provide long-term engagement, support, and encouragement.
• Perform other duties as directed by the Executive Director and/or management staff.
• Develop, implement, and promote ongoing community training opportunities.

Benefits

• Employee Assistance Plans (EAP)
• Health and Wellness Program
• Medical coverage
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Spending Account
• Short-term disability
• MetLife Legal Plans
• Competitive compensation packages
• Company-paid life insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan with company fund matching
• Employee discounts
• Loan forgiveness options through federal programs (National Health Corp and Public Service Loan Forgiveness)
• Company-paid benefits and paid time off effective day one
• Training and development opportunities, including VOA LEAD, VOA University, and VOA Academy

What This Job Offers

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