Peer Support Specialist

Position Purpose

The Peer Support Specialist provides compassionate, person-centered, recovery-oriented support to individuals with substance use disorders, survivors of non-fatal overdose, individuals at risk of overdose, and their families and support networks.

Drawing upon lived experience in recovery, the Peer Support Specialist builds meaningful relationships, promotes hope and self-determination, assists individuals in navigating treatment and recovery resources, and helps reduce barriers to care. The position also conducts outreach and provides peer support across healthcare, public safety, and community-based settings.

Working Relationships

The Peer Support Specialist works collaboratively with:

• Recovery Resource Center Program Director, Assistant Program Director, and Peer Services Coordinator
• Recovery Resource Center staff and multidisciplinary teams
• Crisis Center, Inc. leadership and programs
• Healthcare, behavioral health, public safety, treatment, recovery, and community partner agencies

The position reports to the Peer Services Coordinator and Recovery Resource Center Program Director.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of two years of personal recovery from a substance use disorder.
• Certified as a Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) through the Alabama Department of Mental Health, or eligible to obtain certification within three (3) months of hire.
• Ability to use lived experience appropriately and effectively to support individuals in recovery while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical standards and to represent the agency with integrity.
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage individuals from diverse backgrounds and life experiences.
• Comfortable supporting individuals with substance use and co-occurring mental health needs, including individuals experiencing homelessness or other significant barriers to care.
• Ability to work effectively in office, healthcare, public safety, street outreach, and other community-based environments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft applications and ability to document services in an electronic client database.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Availability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Establish supportive, collaborative relationships with individuals with substance use disorders, survivors of non-fatal overdose, individuals at risk of overdose, and their families or support networks.
• Conduct client intakes and provide ongoing follow-up and peer support in person, by telephone, and through telehealth.
• Provide peer support in a variety of settings, including the Recovery Resource Center, healthcare facilities, public safety settings, partner organizations, street outreach locations, and other community-based environments.
• Use lived experience appropriately to promote hope, resilience, self-advocacy, and engagement in recovery while maintaining appropriate professional and ethical boundaries.
• Assist clients in identifying personal recovery goals and developing individualized, strengths-based recovery plans based on their needs, priorities, and preferences.
• Connect clients with substance use treatment, mental health services, recovery supports, healthcare, housing, transportation, benefits, and other community-based resources.
• Collaborate with treatment providers, healthcare professionals, behavioral health providers, public safety partners, and community organizations to support coordinated care and successful linkage to services.
• Provide practical recovery support and education related to health, wellness, overdose prevention, treatment options, and available community resources.
• Advocate for client needs, preferences, and perspectives and participate in multidisciplinary meetings and care coordination activities as appropriate.
• Conduct overdose prevention education and outreach activities, including community presentations, resource fairs, outreach events, and distribution of approved overdose prevention resources.
• Maintain timely, accurate, and confidential documentation of client contacts, referrals, follow-up activities, and services in accordance with program and agency requirements.
• Participate in required staff meetings, supervision, training, quality improvement activities, and professional development.
• Maintain CRSS certification and complete required continuing education and training.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Recovery Resource Center and the mission of Crisis Center, Inc.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and bereavement leave
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance

Please send cover letter and resume to John Bayles at [email protected]

Pay: $39,000.00 - $40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b) matching
• Bereavement leave
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Birmingham, AL 35233