About Job

The Harm Reduction and Recovery Cafe Peer Support Specialist will support the development, implementation, and monitoring of harm reduction strategies within the Recovery Cafe and associated programs. This role focuses on creating a supportive, nonjudgmental environment for individuals impacted by substance use, mental health challenges, and the criminal justice system. The peer support specialist will provide training, facilitate workshops, distribute harm reduction supplies, and offer direct support services to promote safety, well-being, and self-determination. The Peer Support Specialist position will assist in daily activities at the Cafe, recovery role modeling, resource connection, initial peer contact and welcoming, class facilitation, documentation in the Agency databased, 1-1 peer support within the Recovery Cafe and community.

Description

Responsibilities

Program Development and Implementation: Design and coordinate harm reduction initiatives, including education, resources, and access to supplies such as naloxone and safer use kits, in alignment with the Recovery Cafe principles. Design and coordinate re-entry initiatives, including educational programming, linking members to care and resources, and supporting access to basic needs. Collaborate with staff, peers, and community partners to ensure harm reduction practices align with organizational goals and the needs of Recovery Cafe program participants.
Peer Support and Outreach: Provide one-on-one support to individuals navigating substance use, mental health, and reentry challenges. Conduct outreach to engage individuals in the Recovery Cafe program, particularly those who may benefit from harm reduction services. Coordinate and/or provide Peer Service activities including, but not limited to establishing individualized recovery plans, providing support in the community as well as at recovery education programs, facilitating recovery classes as scheduled, and conducting outreach to potential peers and community. Actively participate in staff meetings, supervision sessions, and peer support for peer supporters, and team/group activities.
Education and Training: Facilitate harm reduction and overdose prevention workshops for staff, program participants, and the broader community. Train peer support workers, community members, or other organizations on harm reduction principles and best practices.
Community Partnerships: Build relationships with local health organizations, treatment facilities, and harm reduction advocacy groups to expand resources available to participants. Represent the organization and the Recovery Cafe at community events, coalitions, and advocacy efforts related to harm reduction and reentry services. Actively attend any meetings with the Recovery Cafe Network or any other tasks assigned by supervisors.
Data and Reporting: Track and report on program outcomes, including participant engagement and access to harm reduction resources. Ensure compliance with funding requirements and assist with grant applications to sustain and expand Harm Reduction and Recovery Cafe initiatives. Maintain all data entry in the Agency database for the Recovery Cafe's daily operations, monitoring, and evaluations.

Qualifications and Experience

Current North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist or matching qualifications to obtain this certification within 3 months of hire.
Current Recovery Coach certification or matching qualifications to obtain this certification within 3 months of hire.
Lived experience of recovery from mental health, substance use, incarceration, or other traumas.
Belief in the recovery potential of all people and is committed to the philosophy of peer support.
Commitment to harm reduction principles and understanding of their application in reentry and recovery settings.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Experience facilitating groups or providing peer support is an asset.

Ability to receive guidance, training, and mentoring to grow skills and knowledge.

Demonstrates leadership by modeling PRN’s mission, values, philosophy, and guidance to team members.
Demonstrates taking personal responsibility, being dependable, reliable, working as a team player, and utilizing personal determination skills.
Demonstrates honesty, integrity, is ethical and approachable.
Ability to interact effectively with the public, providers, and other stakeholders.
Committed to personal recovery and wellness and has a personal history of recovery and lived experiences in seeking and receiving crisis-based support.
Ability to manage time and complete tasks.
Knowledge of a variety of computer software applications in word processing, spreadsheets, databases and presentation.
Demonstrate honesty, integrity, ethical, and approachability.
Must have a valid NC Driver’s license.