Peer Support Specialist - Mobile OTP Unit

## Description
POSITION TITLE: Methadone Mobile Unit - Peer Support Specialist
DEPARTMENT: Health and Human Services (HHS) – Opioid Treatment Program (OTP)
LOCATION: Vancouver, WA (onsite)

REPORTS TO: Clinic Director

STATUS: Hourly, fulltime

WAGE RANGE: $29.90 - 34.35 per hour

Close Date: Open until filled

\*\*\*If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered a preference in hiring, please upload documentation with your resume and cover letter. Acceptable documentation includes Tribal Enrollment card, a letter from your Tribe stating your enrollment, or BIA 4432 and/or DD214.\*\*\*

**Position Summary:**

Supports patients in their recovery journey by offering empathy, encouragement, and connection to essential resources within a mobile opioid treatment program (OTP) setting. This role utilizes lived experience or a deep understanding of substance use recovery to engage patients in a dignified, person-centered manner. The Peer Support Specialist operates in community-based and mobile environments, helping reduce barriers to care, improve engagement, and promote recovery-oriented outcomes.

This position adheres to all confidentiality requirements, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, and upholds the mission, vision, and values of the organization.

*This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.*

**Essential Duties & Responsibilities:**

1. **Patient Engagement & Support**

• Provides peer-based support, encouragement, and advocacy to patients in recovery.
• Builds trusting relationships with patients through shared understanding, respect, and nonjudgmental communication.
• Engages patients in services within the mobile unit and community settings to support ongoing participation in treatment.
• Assist patients in identifying recovery goals and connecting those goals to available services and supports.
• Serves as a recovery role model, demonstrating hope and resilience.

## **2. Care Coordination & Resource Navigation**

• - Maintains daily availability to assist patients with accessing critical resources and referrals.
• Connects patients to housing, transportation, primary care, behavioral health, and social services.
• Coordinates with community agencies, tribal programs, and service providers to support continuity of care.
• Maintains a current and comprehensive knowledge of community resources.
• Develops and maintains resource guides for use in patient referrals.

## **3. Mobile Unit & Community-Based Work**

• Provides services in a mobile clinic environment, including outreach in community settings.
• Participates in outreach activities such as health fairs, community events, and engagement efforts targeting underserved populations.
• Supports engagement of patients who may be hesitant or ambivalent about treatment.

**4. Administrative & Documentation Support**

• Assists with basic patient engagement workflows such as check-in support, scheduling coordination, and tracking attendance as appropriate.
• Documents peer interactions and services in the electronic health record (EHR) in accordance with organizational standards.
• Supports communication between patients and care team members.
• Participates in staff meetings and interdisciplinary team collaboration.

## **5. Advocacy & Team Collaboration**

• Acts as an advocate for patients and families within the care team.
• Collaborates effectively with counselors, medical providers, case managers, and administrative staff.
• Promotes a team-based, respectful, and recovery-oriented care environment.

**6. Professional Conduct & Compliance**

• Maintains strict confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2.
• Adheres to ethical guidelines and peer support scope of practice.
• Completes all required trainings and competencies.
• Participates in ongoing professional development and supervision.
• Adapts to evolving workflows, safety protocols, and mobile service delivery needs.

**Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:**

• Knowledge of substance use recovery principles and recovery-oriented systems of care.
• Understanding of community resources and social service systems.
• Ability to engage individuals from diverse cultural, social, and economic backgrounds.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to listen empathetically and build trust.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries while using lived experience appropriately.
• Ability to work independently in mobile and community-based settings.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to maintain accurate and timely documentation.
• Basic computer skills, including use of electronic health records and communication tools.
• Ability to remain calm, flexible, and solution-focused in high-stress environments.

## Qualifications
**Minimum Qualifications:**

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Certified Peer Support Specialist licensed in the state of Washington. **Must possess and maintain a current, unrestricted Washington State license or credential applicable to the position**.
• Lived experience with substance use recovery or strong understanding of recovery principles.
• One (1) year of experience in behavioral health, social services, or peer support preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel for mobile unit services.
• Must be able to pass background screening in accordance with organizational and regulatory requirements.

**Preferred Qualifications**

• Experience working in an OTP or substance use disorder treatment setting.
• Experience in outreach, community engagement, or mobile service delivery.
• Familiarity with Medicaid systems and community-based resources.

**Physical Demands**

• Frequent standing, walking, sitting, bending, and reaching.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks and use standard office equipment.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person and via phone.

**Work Environment**

• Work is performed in a mobile clinic, community settings, and occasional office environments.
• Exposure to outdoor conditions, varying weather, and community-based environments.