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.