Position Summary The Peer Support Specialist provides non-clinical, peer-based recovery support to adults and youth ages 12-17 who are impacted by substance use and related challenges. Using lived experience appropriately, the Specialist builds trusting relationships, supports individual choice and multiple pathways to recovery, and helps participants identify strengths, goals, resources, and healthy supports. The position is equipped to provide developmentally appropriate engagement and recovery-focused services to adolescents while also maintaining a full peer-support role with the adult recovery population. Primary Responsibilities Provide one-to-one peer support, recovery coaching, mentoring, advocacy, and resource navigation to adults and youth ages 12-17. Use lived experience appropriately to promote hope, self-advocacy, resilience, healthy decision-making, and recovery/wellness goals. Establish respectful, non-judgmental peer relationships while recognizing the different developmental needs, boundaries, and communication approaches required when working with adolescents. Assist individuals in identifying strengths, needs, support systems, community resources, educational opportunities, employment resources, and other services that support recovery and wellness. Facilitate or assist with recovery-focused groups, workshops, pro-social activities, and youth programming consistent with FOR-DO services. Engage youth in age-appropriate activities that build coping skills, confidence, healthy relationships, leadership, life skills, and connection to positive community supports. Recognize signs of distress, crisis, abuse, neglect, or safety concerns and follow FOR-DO policies, mandated reporting requirements, confidentiality standards, and the organizational chain of command. Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality when serving both adults and minors, and communicate appropriately with families/caregivers and community partners when authorized and applicable. Conduct outreach and develop connections with schools, youth-serving organizations, treatment providers, social services, courts, and other community resources as assigned. Maintain timely and accurate documentation, participant contacts, service data, referrals, and other information required by FOR-DO. Participate in staff meetings, supervision, training, community events, and program activities; work collaboratively as part of the FOR-DO team. Transport participants when necessary and approved, in accordance with FOR-DO policies. Qualifications Personal understanding of addiction and recovery and the ability to use lived experience appropriately in a peer-support role. Commitment to obtaining Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) certification within six months of employment, if not already certified. Ability and willingness to work effectively with both adults and youth ages 12-17, using age-appropriate, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and non-judgmental approaches. Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational, and documentation skills; ability to work independently and as part of a team. Knowledge of community resources and an understanding that there are multiple pathways to recovery and wellness. High school diploma or equivalent and valid New York State Driver's License. Flexible availability, including some evening and weekend hours as program needs require. Preferred Completion of Recovery Coach Academy training or current

CRPA/CRPA-P

credential. Experience working with individuals in recovery and/or adolescents in a youth-serving, behavioral health, prevention, recovery, or community-based setting. This position supports FOR-DO's adult Recovery Community and Outreach Center services as well as youth recovery services for adolescents ages 12-17.

Pay:

$18.00 - $20.00 per hour Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Retirement plan

Work Location:

In person