Peer Support Care Coordinator

Goals of the First Responder - Resource Engagement Specialty Team (REST) program include increasing capacity, providing training, harm reduction strategies, and linkages to community resources specialized for first responders serving individuals with substance use disorder. This program will establish processes, protocols, and mechanisms for referral to treatment/recovery communities and to support harm reduction efforts with first responders in the region.

This position covers Washington, Carter, Johnson and Hawkins. Other communities in the region may be added at the discretion of the state based on need.

General responsibilities and activities

• Comply with completion of all reporting requirements in a timely manner or assist in completing them.

• Attend trainings and meetings as requested or required by the grant.

• Must have access to reliable transportation and should be able to be available evenings and weekends, and occasional out or area travel for a couple days – 1 week.

• Must be available to participants outside typical work hours, as needed for both scheduled and unscheduled contacts including weekends.

• Other duties as required or developed by the agency or program staff.

Essential Roles, Responsibilities and activities

• Make and maintain relationships with referring first responder agencies.

• Provide care coordination including peer support and linkage to the behavioral health care system for persons with substance use disorder and/or who have experienced an opioid overdose including conducting screening/assessments for referrals, identifying treatment/ recovery support needs/refer to support, and follow-up with referrals after 30 days and up to 1 year on a predetermined follow-up schedule,

• Support outreach strategies for first responder agencies/organizations (Law Enforcement, EMS, and Fire Departments) including but not limited to dissemination of educational information and development of community partnerships,

• Support outreach/engagement/education to community stakeholders to strengthen interagency collaboration, referral networks, and to raise awareness of opioid use disorder, substance use disorder, and harm reduction,

Required Skills / Abilities / Experience:

Applicant should have –

Organizational skills

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Written and verbal communication skills including presenting and public speaking

Interpersonal skills for working with professionals, and a variety of participants with varying needs.

Ability to work with sensitive information

Self-motivation, good time-management skills, flexible, and excellent problem-solving abilities

Computer skills (Internet, development of Excel sheets, Word documents, Adobe, etc)

Preferred / Helpful knowledge and experience

• General understanding of criminal justice and first responder systems.

• Knowledge of HIPAA privacy practices

• Experience with substance use disorder recovery supports and treatment services in the region and the state.

• Knowledge or experience with criminal justice involved individuals

Required Education / Qualifications:

No convictions that would prevent access to individuals in the detention centers in the covered counties.

A high school diploma or its equivalent is required.

• Must have Certified Peer Recovery Specialist certification OR be eligible within 6 months of employment.

An Associate or Bachelor’s degree in a related field would be welcomed; however relevant, demonstrable or documented experience may substitute for a degree

Limitations and Disclaimer:

The above position description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

All duties are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals, who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the candidate must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.

The Promise Center is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, status as a parent, national origin, age, disability (physical or mental), family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors.