Skip to main content
Fostering a safe space for recovery

Peer Recovery Support Specialist, South Shore Hospital Based MAT Program

Job Summary:

The Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS) is an essential part of the South Shore Peer Recovery (SSPR) team helping to fulfill our mission. Reporting to the Director, the PRSS will work primarily with identified individuals at South Shore Hospital via the Emergency Department and the Addiction Medical Consult Service. This role will be focused on providing Peer Recovery Support Services for individuals identified to participate in Medication for Opioid Use Disorder treatment. The PRSS will serve as a role model, mentor, advocate, and motivator to individuals with substance use disorder to help them initiate and/or maintain recovery while promoting overall wellness. This is a grant funded position.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

  • Meet one-on-one with individuals identified for MOUD (Medication for Opioid Use Disorder) at South Shore Hospital or in the community to provide support in the initiation of their recovery process.
  • Collaborate with Emergency Department located SBIRT (screening & brief intervention and referral to treatment) services and Addiction Medical Consult Services (ACS) teams in linking participants to an Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) after discharge.
  • Provide hands on support during initiation of MOUD treatment, including transportation to/from OTP during the first week of treatment to help ensure early retention in the program.
  • Support people during transition periods to increase access to community resources through recovery education, connection to supports and self-help strategies.
  • Model the optimistic spirit of recovery, self-advocacy, personal responsibility, and skillfully use one’s own recovery journey as a tool.
  • Actively identify and support linkages to community resources that support the individual’s goals and interests: communities of recovery, educational, vocational, etc.
  • Maintain appropriate records and data collection according to required time frames.
  • Maintain confidentiality regarding information received during the facilitation of recovery support services
  • Engage in continuing professional development relative to recovery support services.
  • Report to designated supervisor and participate in individual and group supervision.
  • Administrative duties to include recovery plan creation, data collection and entry.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills:

  • Personal lived experience with substance use disorder and medications for opioid use disorder (preferably lived experience with methadone treatment).
  • A minimum of six months continuous recovery from substance use disorder and demonstrated active participation in one’s pathway of recovery.
  • Ability to work independently using good judgment.
  • Valid driver’s license and reliable, insured transportation.
  • Demonstrated experience helping others in recovery.
  • Associates Degree in applicable field or equivalent experience preferred.
  • Experience working in community-based recovery setting preferred.
  • A genuine empathy and caring for others and the desire to help them on their path to wellness.
  • Familiarity with multiple pathways of recovery and ability to support them.
  • Willingness to share one’s own experience in an open and skillful manner.
  • Completion of CCAR’s RCA (or ability to within 6 months of hire).
  • Demonstrated skill in actively listening, asking good questions, awareness of self and treating people as resources for themselves.
  • Understanding of and adherence to professional boundaries.
  • Ability to work within multiple settings, prioritizing appropriately.
  • Timeliness, professionalism, meticulous record-keeping and strong organizational skills.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Strong computer skills including ability to use Microsoft Office and database systems.

Reporting Relationship: The PRSS works as part of a collaboration between SSPR and SSH teams reporting to the Director or designated Supervisor.

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to move about the office and community using own transportation.
  • Ability to communicate clearly verbally by phone and in person.
  • Flow of work and character of duties require normal mental and visual attention along with manual coordination in duties much of the time.
  • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand with some sitting; reaching with hands and arms; using hands to finger objects or controls; push and pull with force. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance and/or peripheral vision.

Working Conditions:The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job, with work occurring at the center and in the community. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits/Compensation: This position is a full time (40-hours per week) hourly position, primarily based at South Shore Hospital in Weymouth with one day a week in the Scituate office. South Shore region travel required. Schedule is generally Monday-Friday days with occasional changes in schedule as needed. Competitive salary offered commensurate with experience and other qualifications. Benefits package includes health insurance (80%), paid holidays, and sick/personal time.

Click here to review & apply for our current job openings