Peer Engagement Specialist

Hours 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday thru Friday.

• ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
• Drop-In Center Oversight:

• •Open, staff, and close the drop-in center during scheduled hours.
• Ensure the physical space is safe, welcoming, clean, and stocked with necessary
• supplies.

Maintain a consistent presence to support peer engagement, conflict resolution, and a positive, recovery-friendly environment.

Enforce program rules, boundaries, and guidelines while using trauma-informed practices.

Promote a culture of inclusivity, equity, and recovery in all areas

Peer Support Services:

• •Provide one-on-one peer support to individuals, using lived experience to offer hope,
• encouragement, and practical recovery tools.

• •Encourage self-advocacy, self-determination, personal responsibility, and resiliency in
• all interactions, aligning with recovery principles and trauma-informed care.

• •Establish and maintain supportive, non-judgmental relationships with peers based on
• mutual respect, shared lived experience, and cultural sensitivity.

• •Facilitate group discussions and recovery-focused activities (e.g., wellness planning,
• coping skills, substance-free living).

• •Assist peers in developing and reviewing individualized Recovery Support Plans.
• Connect peers with community resources including housing, food assistance, harm
• reduction, employment support, treatment referrals and others as necessary.

• •Uphold the Code of Ethics for Peer Supporters, including boundaries, confidentiality,
• and professional conduct at all times.

Trauma-Informed Communication; De-escalation:

Model and enforce trauma-informed principles including safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment.

Utilize active listening, non-violent communication, and emotional regulation skills when interacting with peers, especially during distress or behavioral escalations.

Respond calmly and consistently to disruptive behavior, using established de-escalation techniques and involving supervisors or crisis resources as needed.

Encourage staff and peers to maintain an environment rooted in dignity, respect, and non-judgment.

Documentation; Accountability:

• •Complete accurate, timely documentation of peer interactions and group services in
• accordance with confidentiality standards and program requirements.

Track attendance, referrals, incidents, and service outcomes.

• •Follow all agency policies and funding guidelines, including those related to
• confidentiality (HIPAA), mandatory reporting, and boundaries.

Professional Expectations:

• •Maintain current Ohio Peer Recovery Supporter Certification and complete continuing
• education and supervision hours as required.

• •Attend and actively contribute to staff meetings, supervision sessions, training events,
• and interdisciplinary case reviews to ensure coordinated and holistic care.

• •Communicate effectively with colleagues and supervisors, providing feedback,
• suggestions, or concerns as appropriate.

Work Expectations:

Maintain flexibility in scheduling, including potential evening/weekend shifts.

• •Work in various environments, including community settings, peer homes, and service
• locations.

• •Report any personal or professional changes that may impact your certification or
• ability to perform job duties.

• •Ability to work in a community-based environment with a range of client behaviors
• and emotional needs.

• •Ability to stand or sit for extended periods, perform light cleaning or setup tasks, and
• assist in managing emergency situations.

• WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
• High School Diploma or equivalent required. Hold a current, active Ohio Peer Recovery Supporter
• Certification or achieve within six months of hire. Maintain at least one continuous year in personal
• recovery, modeling recovery-oriented values. Demonstrate continued competence in peer support
• practices, trauma-informed care, and cultural humility. Must be able to achieve NPI number and
• Medicaid billing number within 90 days of hire. Must have a valid Ohio Driver's License.

• Uphold all requirements of employment including transportation, communication, and attendance
• standards.