Peer Recovery Specialist SUD

Ridgeview Behavioral Health Services•Oak Ridge, TN

About The Position

Ridgeview, a not-for-profit community mental health center, is seeking a SUD Peer Recovery Specialist with lived substance use experience for its Oak Ridge, Tennessee location. The position is part of the ROADs (Road to Recovery) program, which is expanding Ridgeview’s SUD/OUD treatment services. The work schedule, including part-time or full-time, is negotiable. The Peer Recovery Specialist draws on lived experience with substance use and recovery to provide hope, encouragement, advocacy, and practical support to people working toward recovery. The role helps clients identify strengths, set recovery goals, connect with resources, and build meaningful lives in recovery. Peer support is grounded in mutual respect, shared understanding, empowerment, and self-determination. The specialist works as part of the treatment team while maintaining the distinct role and boundaries of peer support. As an integral member of the ROADs team, the specialist works primarily with clients entering the program through Ridgeview’s Inpatient Unit and assists with transitions into and out of the unit. The position supports clients in building confidence, finding their voice, and developing practical tools for navigating substance use and co-occurring mental health challenges. Support includes encouragement, advocacy, education, connections to self-help resources, and links to community resources such as recovery housing, supported employment, and residential treatment. The recovery path should reflect each person’s goals, strengths, and needs and complement traditional behavioral health services.

Requirements

Lived experience with substance use and recovery.

Responsibilities

Use lived experience with substance use and recovery to provide hope, encouragement, advocacy, and practical support.
Help individuals identify their strengths, develop recovery goals, and build a meaningful life in recovery.
Assist clients entering the ROADs program through the Inpatient Unit with transitions into and out of the unit.
Help clients build confidence, find their voice, and develop practical tools for navigating substance use and co-occurring mental health challenges.
Provide education and connect clients with self-help resources.
Connect clients with community resources, including recovery housing, supported employment, and residential treatment.
Work as part of the treatment team while maintaining the role and boundaries of peer support.