Street Outreach Recovery Coach - Adult Services - Brattleboro

HCRS (Health Care & Rehabilitation Services of Southeastern Vermont)•Brattleboro, VT

2d•$22 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

The Street Outreach Recovery Coach directly engages individuals experiencing substance use disorders in community settings, including streets, encampments, shelters, public spaces, and other nontraditional environments. Drawing upon their lived experience with recovery, the Street Outreach Recovery Coach builds trusting relationships with individuals who may be disconnected from services and support systems. Using a person-centered, trauma-informed, and harm reduction approach, the Recovery Coach provides peer support, overdose prevention education, recovery resources, and connections to treatment, housing, healthcare, and community services. This role serves as a bridge to recovery by meeting individuals where they are and supporting their self-identified goals.

Requirements

Demonstrated understanding of recovery principles, peer support practices, and harm reduction approaches.
Knowledge of substance use disorders, treatment options, recovery supports, and community resources.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish trusting relationships with diverse populations.
Ability to engage individuals experiencing crisis, homelessness, or active substance use with empathy and respect.
Effective communication, problem-solving, and advocacy skills.
Ability to maintain professional boundaries while utilizing lived experience appropriately.
Strong organizational and documentation skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
Lived experience with substance use recovery.

Nice To Haves

Certification as a Recovery Coach, Peer Recovery Specialist, or Peer Support Specialist preferred or obtained within a designated timeframe.
Experience working with individuals affected by substance use disorders, homelessness, mental health challenges, or other complex social needs preferred.
Community outreach, peer support, case management, or human services experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct proactive outreach to individuals experiencing substance use disorders in streets, encampments, shelters, and other community locations.
Build trusting, supportive relationships through the use of lived recovery experience and peer support principles.
Engage individuals who may be reluctant or unable to access traditional treatment and support services.
Provide compassionate, nonjudgmental support that promotes hope, recovery, and self-determination.
Meet individuals where they are in their recovery journey and support their personal goals.
Share lived experience appropriately to inspire and support individuals seeking recovery.
Assist individuals in identifying strengths, goals, and pathways toward recovery and wellness.
Provide ongoing peer recovery coaching and encouragement.
Support individuals in navigating challenges related to recovery, housing stability, employment, healthcare, and social connections.
Facilitate connections to recovery support groups, peer networks, and community resources.
Provide overdose prevention education person-centered substance use safety planning information.
Distribute and educate individuals on the use of naloxone and other approved safety planning resources.
Promote safer substance use practices and strategies to reduce risk and enhance safety.
Respond appropriately during crisis situations and connect individuals to emergency or urgent services when needed.
Connect individuals to substance use treatment, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), detoxification, recovery housing, permanent housing, healthcare, mental health services, and other community supports.
Facilitate referrals and warm handoffs to service providers and community partners.
Assist individuals with completing applications, obtaining identification documents, securing benefits, and accessing available resources.
Follow up with individuals to support engagement and continuity of care.
Advocate for individuals and help reduce barriers to services and recovery supports.
Maintain timely, accurate, and confidential documentation of outreach activities, referrals, and client interactions.
Collaborate with treatment providers, housing agencies, healthcare organizations, emergency responders, and community partners.
Participate in team meetings, case reviews, and training activities.
Contribute to outreach strategies and community engagement initiatives.