Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS) for Homeless Outreach

Job Overview Project Rainbow is seeking a full-time licensed Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS) to join our Outreach & Recovery Initiative. This role is designed to support individuals experiencing homelessness who use drugs as they navigate recovery, harm reduction, and healthcare systems. The PRSS will provide relationship-based, peer-driven support that centers autonomy, dignity, and individualized pathways to change. This position serves as a bridge between participants and systems that often exclude or stigmatize them, including substance use treatment and healthcare settings. The PRSS will walk alongside participants at all stages of change, including harm reduction, maintenance, and recovery. Responsibilities Provide one-on-one, peer-based support to individuals experiencing homelessness who use drugs Build trusting, nonjudgmental relationships through consistent engagement and shared lived experience Use discretion, creativity, and strong relational skills to meet participants where they are and support progress on their terms at all stages of change, including harm reduction, maintenance, and recovery Support participants in navigating substance use treatment, recovery services, and healthcare systems Advocate for participants within treatment and healthcare settings to ensure equitable, low-barrier, and affirming care Accompany participants to appointments when appropriate to provide support and continuity Provide harm reduction education and distribute supplies such as naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and hygiene items Collaborate closely with the Outreach Worker to align recovery, health, and housing goals Document participant interactions and maintain accurate, timely records in accordance with program requirements Maintain appropriate boundaries, confidentiality, and ethical peer support practices Participate in team meetings, case conferencing, and ongoing training and professional development Qualifications Must hold a current certification as a Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS) through the West Virginia Certification Board for Addiction & Prevention Professionals Lived experience with substance use and recovery, with the ability to use that experience to support others in a peer role Demonstrated commitment to harm reduction, low-barrier service delivery, and meeting people where they are Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with individuals in crisis Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries while offering empathetic, relationship-based support Experience navigating substance use treatment, recovery services, or healthcare systems preferred Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness or other marginalized populations preferred Ability to work both independently in community settings and collaboratively as part of a team Strong organizational skills and ability to complete documentation in a timely and accurate manner Comfort using or willingness to learn HMIS and other data tracking systems Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required Salary and benefits are competitive and commensurate with experience. Project Rainbow offers a supportive, mission-driven work environment with ongoing training and professional development opportunities.

Pay:

$45,000.00 per year Application Question(s): Do you have a valid driver's license and a reliable vehicle? Are you comfortable working outdoors year-round in varying weather conditions, traveling to different locations, and engaging in physically active work that may include navigating uneven terrain such as wooded areas, sidewalks, and encampments? Do you have a current PRSS license through the West Virginia Certification Board for Addiction and Prevention Professionals?

Work Location:

In person