Peer Support Specialist

Acadia Healthcare; Watsontown (Northumberland County); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

Competitive 401(k) plan

Paid vacation and sick time

Early morning hours offering work/life

Job summary

Acadia Healthcare's Watsontown Comprehensive Treatment Center is seeking a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist. You will support patients with recovery from Opioid Use Disorder, drawing on lived experience to navigate treatment, promote empowerment, and connect with community resources.

The role emphasizes collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, documentation, and advocacy for patient outcomes within a MAT program.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; college degree preferred.
• Direct experience in addiction recovery is highly preferred.
• Personal or professional recovery experience is beneficial.
• Familiarity with MAT approaches (methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone).
• Experience facilitating peer-led groups or one-on-one coaching.

Responsibilities

• Provide peer support to patients, drawing on lived experience to encourage recovery.
• Engage patients at initial contact to facilitate appropriate care screening.
• Advocate and mentor patients to promote empowerment and engagement.
• Share coping techniques and self-help strategies for relapse prevention.
• Coordinate with clinical teams and community resources for housing and employment support.
• Document services clearly and in line with policy guidelines.

Skills

Peer recovery experience

MAT familiarity

Documentation skills

HIPAA knowledge

Education

High School Diploma or GED

College degree preferred

Job description

Overview

Outpatient MAT Opioid Treatment Program (OTP)

Seeking: Certified Peer Recovery Specialist

• WVCBAPP Peer Recovery Certification is required

Full-Time Hours:

Clinical operating hours - 5:30AM and 1:30PM.

37.5 hours/week

Our Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Competitive 401(k) plan
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Early morning hours offering a great work/life balance
• Opportunityfor growth that is second to none in the industry

Our Team:

Watsontown Comprehensive Treatment Center (CTC), located in Watsontown, PA, is part of Acadia Healthcare's Comprehensive Treatment Centers, the leading provider of medication-assisted treatment in the nation. Our mission is to providefull-circle care that includes a blend of therapies and the use of safe and effective medications. Our team is the front line of our fight against the opiate epidemic.

Your Job as a Peer Support Specialist/Recovery Coach:

Peer Support Specialist supports and assist patients in their recovery from Opioid Use Disorder to break down barriers to treatment and bridge together the varying entities that help an individual maintain productive, long-term recovery. Additionally, the Peer Support Specialist will assist the patient in developing skills and enhancing strengths to avoid relapse and successfully navigate the full continuum of care and the road to long-term recovery.

Job Responsibilities:

• Provides peer support to clinically complex patients, drawing on common experiences as a peer; validates each individuals’ experiences and provides guidance and encouragement to these individuals to take responsibility and actively participate in their own recovery
• Engages patients referred to treatment at the initial point of contact, clinic or other community provider, to expedite screening for the appropriate level of care.
• Acts as advocate and mentor to patients in recovery to promote decision making, empowerment and engagement
• Acts as a role model for patients by sharing effective coping techniques and self-help strategies to promote personal growth and development in handling internal and external stressors, positive health, wellness and lifestyle choices
• Provides peer support knowledge related to treatment including methadone, buprenorphine or extended-release naltrexone injection maintenance treatment.
• Acts as a liaison between patients, clinical team and community resources including but not limited to:
  • Assisting patients in seeking and receiving services to meet their individual social needs and provides support to facilitate patient success to maintain recovery
  • Assisting in the process of acquiring housing, necessities and skills needed to maintain daily and monthly household responsibilities and independent living
  • Assisting patients in establishing a relationship with a primary care provider or additional medical care in a coordinated/team approach
  • Serving as linkage between patients and employers in the area to assist patients in obtaining and maintaining gainful employment
  • Assisting patients with acquiring and developing life and social skills, education and other needs identified by the individual to promote quality of life after recovery
• Serves as consultants and subject matter experts in MAT and patient participation in community support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous and Celebrate Recovery.
• Updates healthcare team on a regular basis as to the patient’s status, including, but not limited to changes in mood or functioning, medical issues and all crisis and health and safety issues
• Documents all “no shows,” and communicates all difficulties contacting patients with appropriate office staff
• Documents services provided regularly, concisely, and completely in accordance with clinical standards and policy guidelines
• Attends all office trainings as well as regular clinical supervision sessions with assigned supervisor
• Preforms other duties as assigned

Eligible positions may qualify for student loan forgiveness through HRSA, depending on clinic site eligibility. Check your eligibilityhere: HRSA Eligibility

Qualifications

Required Education & Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED required; college degree preferred
• No previous work experience in the field is required, although highly preferred.
• Prefer direct experience in substance use disorder (SUD) through personal life experiences, instruction/internships, or similar practicum through education or certification process.

Ideal Experience:

• Personal or professional experience in addiction recovery, ideally with lived experience and a demonstrated commitment to supporting others in their recovery journey.
• Familiarity with Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) approaches, including methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, and the ability to support individuals engaged in MAT services.
• Experience facilitating peer-led support groups or one-on-one recovery coaching, focusing on empowerment, motivation, and goal setting.
• Understanding of recovery-oriented and evidence-informed practices, such as Motivational Interviewing (MI), wellness planning, and relapse prevention support (note: not expected to provide clinical therapy).
• Basic documentation skills, including progress notes and recovery plan updates, in accordance with organizational guidelines and peer support best practices.
• Awareness of confidentiality and privacy standards, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, as they relate to peer support and behavioral health settings.
• Demonstrated ability to work within a multidisciplinary care team, collaborating with counselors, nurses, case managers, and medical staff to support holistic recovery.

Licenses/Certifications:

• PRSS Certification from WVCBAPP Required

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