Peer Support Coach

Peer Recovery Support Specialist facilitates recovery from substance use disorders. Services are delivered by trained and certified peers who have been successful in their own recovery process and can extend the reach of treatment beyond the clinical setting into the client?s community and home environment to support and assist the client with staying engaged in the recovery process. Peer Recovery Support services are delivered by individuals who have common life experiences with the people they are serving. Peer Support Specialist with past substance use disorders have a unique capacity to help clients based on a shared affiliation and a deep understanding of this experience. By sharing their experiences, peers bring hope to clients in recovery and promote a sense of belonging within the community. Peer Recovery Support services are an evidence-based model of care which consists of a qualified peer recovery support specialist who assists members with their recovery.

Requirements:

• They must be certified through the WV (WVCBAPP) Certification Board
• Must possess or have ability to apply for NPI number
• Must be familiar with local resources
• Must have valid driver's license and current car insurance

Qualifications

• Self-identify as an individual with life experience of being diagnosed with a substance use disorder which meets Federal definitions
• Must be well established in their own recovery; currently in recovery for a minimum of two years and not have received SUD treatment for the preceding six months
• Have a high school diploma or GED equivalency
• The individual must be employed by either a Comprehensive Behavioral Health Center (CBHC) or Licensed Behavioral Health Center (LBHC)
• Certification as a Peer Recovery Support Specialist
• Peer Recovery Support Specialist application which includes the Attestation of Recovery Statement and three letters of reference
• Not a family member of the individual receiving the peer support services
• Continuing education of 30 hours must be completed every 2 years in the competency domains and which must include six hours in ethics.
• Current CPR/First Aid card is helpful but can be provided
• Must Pass Fingerprint-Based Background Check/WV Cares/CPS
• Follow ethical standards stated in the West Virginia Certification Board for Addiction and Prevention Professionals for Peer Recovery Support Specialist
• Must be comfortable with using medical EHR
• Must be able to work independently with little supervision
• Must be comfortable and able to learn microsoft office
• Must have excellent communication skills and ability to facilitate groups

Work Environment:

Most commonly, the peer support specialist works at least 40 hours a week during regular business hours, but they may need to work in the evenings, depending on the agencies hours of operation.