Peer Recovery Support Specialist

Drexel University; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Peer Recovery Support Specialist to empower individuals in their recovery journey. This role involves building trusting relationships, providing mentorship, and coordinating essential health services, including HIV and hepatitis testing. You will engage with clients, helping them navigate challenges while promoting long-term recovery. Join a passionate team that values community connection and support, where your contributions will make a significant impact on the lives of those in need. If you're driven by compassion and have a history of overcoming personal challenges, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience in peer support or related field.
• Strong communication skills and understanding of recovery resources.

Responsibilities

• Support clients in recovery, providing mentorship and guidance.
• Coordinate HIV and viral hepatitis testing and treatment.

Skills

Verbal and written communication skills

Ability to develop professional boundaries

Knowledge of recovery process

Understanding of Harm Reduction principles

Bilingual - Spanish and English

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Electronic medical record systems

Job description

The Peer Recovery Support Specialist’s role is to support others in recovery from a substance use disorder. This individual will serve as an advocate and motivator to recovering individuals to help promote long-term recovery. Peer Recovery Support Specialist will develop trusting relationships with clients while maintaining professional boundaries, help clients address challenges during the recovery process, and assist client in linkage and engagement in care. In addition to peer support the prevention specialist will coordinate HIV and viral hepatitis testing and treatment for both Drexel HOPE and Drexel Partnership as part of an interdisciplinary care team, including home HIV test kit distribution, rapid HIV testing and follow up for the Drexel HOPE and for the Drexel Partnership Clinic.

Essential Functions

• Conduct outreach to establish and cultivate relationships with community members and organizations. Professionally represent Drexel HOPE program to clients, community members and community organizations.
• Conduct intake assessments, rapid HIV tests and rapid hepatitis C tests for new HOPE clients.
• Engage patients by sharing individual stories of recovery and develop meaningful and trusting relationships with patients, acting as a mentor.
• Assess individual needs, identify barriers to successful connection to and retention in care, and coordinate with care team to connect clients to services as appropriate.
• Handle the logistics for patients such as arranging transportation for the client, managing follow-up appointments, and collaborating with other care team members.
• Coordinate warm-hand offs with MOUD sites and community agencies.
• Support clients in addressing challenges of recovery process and assist and guides clients towards developing goals.
• Provide ongoing support and mentorship throughout engagement in program.
• Conduct HIV and viral hepatitis education, testing, and patient navigation including organizing community testing events, follow-up on test results, linkage to prevention & treatment services, and patient navigation to improve treatment adherence.
• Log and track HIV and viral hepatitis data.
• Ability to travel (car, walk or public transportation) to other community locations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Provides phlebotomy services to clients when needed.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of a High School Diploma or GED.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience.
• Working knowledge of an electronic medical record preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• History of substance abuse.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to develop clear lines of professional boundaries.
• Understanding of Harm Reduction principles & practices.
• Knowledge of recovery process and community resources available in Philadelphia.
• Ability to adapt and work efficiently within a variety of situations.
• Phlebotomy experience preferred.
• Bilingual - Spanish and English preferred.

Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.

Review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.