Peer Engagement Specialist

Hours 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday thru Friday. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Drop-In Center Oversight:

• Open, staff, and close the drop-in center during scheduled hours. Ensure the physical space is safe, welcoming, clean, and stocked with necessary supplies.
• Maintain a consistent presence to support peer engagement, conflict resolution, and a positive, recovery-friendly environment.
• Enforce program rules, boundaries, and guidelines while using trauma-informed practices.
• Promote a culture of inclusivity, equity, and recovery in all areas Peer Support Services:
• Provide one-on-one peer support to individuals, using lived experience to offer hope, encouragement, and practical recovery tools.
• Encourage self-advocacy, self-determination, personal responsibility, and resiliency in all interactions, aligning with recovery principles and trauma-informed care.
• Establish and maintain supportive, non-judgmental relationships with peers based on mutual respect, shared lived experience, and cultural sensitivity.
• Facilitate group discussions and recovery-focused activities (e.g., wellness planning, coping skills, substance-free living).
• Assist peers in developing and reviewing individualized Recovery Support Plans. Connect peers with community resources including housing, food assistance, harm reduction, employment support, treatment referrals and others as necessary.
• Uphold the Code of Ethics for Peer Supporters, including boundaries, confidentiality, and professional conduct at all times. Trauma-Informed Communication; De-escalation:
• Model and enforce trauma-informed principles including safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment.
• Utilize active listening, non-violent communication, and emotional regulation skills when interacting with peers, especially during distress or behavioral escalations.
• Respond calmly and consistently to disruptive behavior, using established de-escalation techniques and involving supervisors or crisis resources as needed.
• Encourage staff and peers to maintain an environment rooted in dignity, respect, and non-judgment. Documentation; Accountability:
• Complete accurate, timely documentation of peer interactions and group services in accordance with confidentiality standards and program requirements.
• Track attendance, referrals, incidents, and service outcomes.
• Follow all agency policies and funding guidelines, including those related to confidentiality (HIPAA), mandatory reporting, and boundaries. Professional Expectations:
• Maintain current Ohio Peer Recovery Supporter Certification and complete continuing education and supervision hours as required.
• Attend and actively contribute to staff meetings, supervision sessions, training events, and interdisciplinary case reviews to ensure coordinated and holistic care.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues and supervisors, providing feedback, suggestions, or concerns as appropriate. Work Expectations:
• Maintain flexibility in scheduling, including potential evening/weekend shifts.
• Work in various environments, including community settings, peer homes, and service locations.
• Report any personal or professional changes that may impact your certification or ability to perform job duties.
• Ability to work in a community-based environment with a range of client behaviors and emotional needs.
• Ability to stand or sit for extended periods, perform light cleaning or setup tasks, and assist in managing emergency situations.

Work Experience Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent required. Hold a current, active Ohio Peer Recovery Supporter Certification or achieve within six months of hire. Maintain at least one continuous year in personal recovery, modeling recovery-oriented values. Demonstrate continued competence in peer support practices, trauma-informed care, and cultural humility. Must be able to achieve NPI number and Medicaid billing number within 90 days of hire. Must have a valid Ohio Driver's License. Uphold all requirements of employment including transportation, communication, and attendance standards.