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JOB TITLE

CERTIFIED

PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST

Program:

Integrated Community-Based Telehealth for

Substance Use Disorder Services Employment Status:

Full-Time Reports To:

Project Director, Peer Supervisor, or Designee Work Location:

Assigned coverage area in (Cherokee, Graham, Swain Counties) with travel throughout service areas as needed.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Certified Peer Support Specialist provides outreach, engagement, recovery mentoring, service navigation, and social determinants of health support to adults with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions participating in the Integrated Community-Based Telehealth program. This position helps participants connect to treatment, recovery supports, telehealth services, primary care, and community resources while promoting engagement and continuity of care, especially for justice-involved individuals and people living in rural communities. Essential Functions

• Conduct outreach and engagement activities for referred and enrolled participants using phone, telehealth, office-based, and community-based methods.
• Provide recovery mentoring and strength-based support consistent with the Certified Peer Support Specialist role and recovery-oriented systems of care.
• Maintain regular contact with participants between clinical visits to improve engagement, reduce barriers, and support continuity in treatment and recovery activities.
• Assist participants with appointment preparation, reminders, transportation coordination, and telehealth troubleshooting to reduce delays and no-show rates.
• Complete or support structured social determinants of health screening early in the enrollment process and document identified needs in the electronic health record.
• Coordinate linkage to housing resources, food assistance, transportation supports, employment resources, identification assistance, and other community-based services.
• Support participants involved with justice systems through pre-release or immediate post-release engagement and connection to telehealth and treatment services whenever possible within seven days.
• Collaborate with clinicians, medical providers, referral partners, TASC-related systems, and community agencies to facilitate warm handoffs and coordinated service delivery.
• Participate in individualized service planning by contributing peer-informed goals, barriers, strengths, and support strategies.
• Document outreach contacts, peer interventions, referrals, linkage activities, and follow-up outcomes in the agency electronic health record in a timely and accurate manner.
• Maintain current knowledge of county-specific resources, referral pathways, and partner contacts to support effective community navigation.
• Participate in supervision, team meetings, training, and quality improvement activities as assigned. Qualifications
• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor's degree in human services or related field preferred.
• North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist credential required, or eligibility to obtain certification within the timeframe established by the agency.
• Lived experience with recovery and the ability to use that experience appropriately to benefit others.
• Experience working with individuals affected by substance use, co-occurring disorders, justice involvement, or significant social determinants of health barriers preferred.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations in rural and underserved communities.
• Basic computer skills and ability to use electronic health records, telehealth platforms, email, and mobile communication tools.
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel within assigned counties, if required by the position. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Knowledge of recovery-oriented practice, trauma-informed care, and motivational engagement strategies.
• Skill in establishing rapport and maintaining professional boundaries.
• Ability to organize outreach and follow-up activities across multiple referral sources and counties.
• Ability to communicate effectively with participants, families, providers, and community partners.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and agency policies.

Training Requirements The employee must complete all required agency orientation and program-specific training, including telehealth delivery, electronic health record use, confidentiality, professional conduct, trauma-informed care, recovery supports, motivational interviewing, SBIRT, cultural competency, documentation standards, and safety procedures. Training completion is expected within 90 days of hire where applicable, with ongoing competency development through supervision and performance review. Performance Expectations

• Timely outreach and engagement following referral.
• Consistent documentation of peer services, SDOH barriers, and linkage activities.
• Active participation in efforts to improve visit completion, treatment engagement, and successful community resource linkage.
• Effective collaboration with justice, medical, behavioral health, and community partners.

Benefits:

403(b) 403(b) matching Bereavement leave Dental insurance Employee assistance program Employee discount Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Mileage reimbursement Paid time off Professional development assistance Retirement plan Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in Bryson City, NC 28713