Peer Recovery Coach

Howard University; Washington, Baltimore (District of Columbia, MD); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

403(b) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Howard University seeks a Peer Recovery Coach to provide non-clinical support to patients pursuing recovery from alcohol and drug use as part of the Urban Health Initiative.

You will conduct brief interventions, assess readiness to change, and help connect patients with community services to promote linkage to treatment on campus and in the community.

Collaboration with clinical staff, documentation, and ongoing professional development are essential components of the role.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Active recovery with minimum 3 years of personal recovery and abstinence.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Basic computer skills required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct brief interventions for patients who screen positive for alcohol and/or drug use.
• Identify patient history, motivation to change, and needs for community support services.
• Assist in linking to community support services and transportation.
• Provide peer support at medication-assisted therapy appointments as appropriate.
• Complete required documentation and reports; act as a resource to clinical staff.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Documentation skills

Computer literacy

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well‑being and professional growth.

Here Is What We Offer

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us!

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

Basic Function

The Peer Recovery Coach provides non-clinical services intended to aid patients in establishing recovery from a high risk of alcohol and drug use problems. The Peer Recovery Coach will work as part of the Howard University Urban Health Initiative team to provide peer support and motivation to encourage patients who are seeking treatment for alcohol or drug dependency and addiction issues. The Peer Recovery Coach will assist in completing referrals to treatment services and developing service plans to promote successful linkage to treatment services. Services will be provided at Howard University and in the community with appropriate follow‑up.

Supervisory Accountability

This position does not involve any supervisory responsibilities.

Nature And Scope

Internal contacts include Research Administrative Services, the IRB, GHUCCTS/The Clinical Research Unit, and other healthcare professionals within the hospital. External contacts include sponsor representatives, community-based partner organizations, and other local healthcare professionals.

Principal Accountabilities

• Conducts brief interventions to patients who, screen positive for alcohol and/or drug use.
• Identifies patient’s history of drug/alcohol use, treatment history, motivation to change behavior and other needs for community support services.
• Identifies patient’s readiness to change and uses motivational interviewing techniques and other communication skills to support a plan for reducing or eliminating harmful drug and/or alcohol use.
• Works with program staff and case managers to identify community support services.
• Assists patient and family with understanding how to utilize these community services.
• Assists patients in linking to community support services and substance treatment services, including securing appointments and transportation.
• Acts as a peer support at medication‑assisted therapy appointments as appropriate to facilitate attainment of goals.
• Provides family members with recovery support materials.
• Provides telephone and community outreach to patients to assist with linkages and continued peer support.
• Models coping techniques and self‑help strategies.
• Participates in trainings to continually gain new skills.
• Attends required staff and other meetings.
• Completes required documentation and other reports
• Acts as a resource to other clinical team members on recovery support.
• Consults with staff as requested, even if the patient does not screen positive.
• Notifies case management staff before visiting the patient.
• Telephones treatment providers to verify the patient showed up for the appointment and follows up by telephone with any patient that misses an appointment.

Core Competencies

• The Peer Recovery Coach must demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to relate to patients and health professionals, as well as an ability to develop professional working relationships with partner agencies.
• The candidate must possess excellent listening, verbal and written communication skills, as well as good problem‑solving skills.
• The incumbent must be able to read, interpret documents and write routine reports.
• Basic computer skills are required. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate a willingness to learn and an interest in acquiring new skills.

Minimum Requirements

High school diploma or G.E.D. is required. The candidate must be actively engaged in his/her own recovery program with a minimum of three years of demonstrated personal recovery and sustained abstinence from alcohol and/or drug use

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

$20.00-$22.00 per hour