Peer Recovery Specialist at Richmond Ambulance Authority

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionPOSITION SUMMARYThe Peer Recovery Specialist spearheads community-based overdose response and recovery initiatives by leveraging lived experience and evidence-based harm reduction strategies. Reporting to the Emergency Management Captain, this role builds partnerships with local health agencies, law enforcement, and community organizations to deliver targeted outreach, naloxone distribution, and trauma-informed support. The Specialist designs and facilitates culturally responsive education programs, coordinates warm handoffs to treatment and social services, and drives continuous program improvement through rigorous data analysis and performance metrics aligned to applicable grant requirements, if applicable. Through advocacy and collaboration, this position enhances public health outcomes, community resilience, and compliance with federal, state, and, if applicable, grant funding requirements.POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESCommunity Outreach & Overdose ResponseConduct outreach to overdose survivors, families, and community members following nonfatal overdose events, with a target of engaging at least 50 at-risk individuals per quarterDistribute and demonstrate use of naloxone kits; educate on overdose prevention and safer practices, aiming to distribute a minimum of 50 kits per quarterProvide immediate psychological first aid and coordinate warm handoffs to treatment providersRefer individuals to therapeutic substance use disorder counseling services, documenting referrals and tracking uptakeTrack and report outreach metrics, including number of kits distributed, referrals made, and individuals engaged against quarterly targetsMaintain confidential, secure records of all community contacts and referrals in accordance with RAA policy in the agency's ePCR systemAssess community needs and identify high-risk locations or populations for targeted interventionsTraining & EducationDevelop, update, and deliver harm reduction and recovery curricula for community organizations, first responders, public health agencies, and stakeholdersCoordinate four in-person workshops or virtual webinars annuallyCreate culturally and linguistically appropriate educational materials, toolkits, and multimedia presentationsTrain community volunteers in naloxone administration and overdose response best practicesProgram Development, Evaluation & Grant ComplianceDesign, implement, and refine peer recovery initiatives in accordance with SAMHSA model standards and established performanceDevelop data collection instruments; capture and analyze qualitative feedback and quantitative metrics for continuous quality improvementMonitor program budget, resource allocation, and cost-effectiveness to inform funding applications and fiscal planningPrepare and submit quarterly performance, financial, and compliance reports to City stakeholders and grant administrators, if applicableSet, monitor, and adjust outcome targets (e.g., naloxone distribution, workshop completion rates) in collaboration with senior leadershipEstablish and maintain partnerships with local health departments, harm reduction agencies, law enforcement, and community organizationsSupervision & Professional DevelopmentMentor and coach volunteers or trainee peer workers; coordinate shadowing, internships, and certification pathwaysIdentify and pursue professional development opportunities, including advanced certifications and cross-sector trainingsLead periodic program review meetings to share lessons learned and best practicesTelehealth & Virtual SupportProvide remote recovery coaching and peer support via telephone, ensuring compliance with HIPAA and confidentiality protocolsDevelop and deliver virtual overdose response and harm reduction trainings when in-person delivery is not feasible Additional ResponsibilitiesRepresent RAA on community forums, advisory committees, and policy workgroups to advocate for overdose prevention and recovery initiativesParticipate in multi-agency task forces focused on public health emergencies, substance use prevention, and community resilience planningContribute to the development and review of organizational policies related to peer recovery, harm reduction, and mental healthPerform other duties as assigned by the Emergency Management Captain or their designeeCORE COMPETENCIESRecovery Orientation: Models hope and resilience through lived experienceSelf-Care & Boundary Management: Practices self-care strategies and maintains professional boundariesCommunity Engagement & Advocacy: Builds trust with diverse populations; navigates systems to secure resourcesTrauma-Informed Practice: Applies sensitive approaches to minimize re-traumatizationHarm Reduction Expertise: Educates on overdose response, safer practices, and naloxone useTraining Facilitation: Designs and delivers effective workshops and webinarsEthics, Confidentiality & Data Literacy: Upholds privacy standards, secures data, and analyzes metrics for program improvementRisk Assessment & Safety Planning: Identifies and mitigates potential safety risks during community interventionsPERFORMANCE EVALUATIONPeer recovery program performance will be evaluated based on the following performance measures and outcome targets (including grant performance measures, if applicable), as well as data accuracy, stakeholder feedback, and operational contributions:Total peer recovery contacts recorded quarterly Number and effectiveness of referrals to therapeutic substance use disorder servicesQuantity of naloxone kits distributed annually (minimum 200 kits)Delivery and quality of at least four harm reduction training sessions per yearAchievement of quarterly outreach targets (50 individuals engaged, 50 kits distributed)Program budget adherence and cost-effectiveness indicatorsEstablishment and maintenance of community partnerships and stakeholder satisfactionThe Peer Recovery Specialist is evaluated bi-annually by the Field Operations Captain based on operational effectiveness, program performance metrics, work quality, communication, and compliance with agency policies and procedures. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTSMinimum Qualifications:High school diploma or GEDCertified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) certification, or equivalent state-recognized credentialMinimum two years of sustained recovery from substance use disorderAt least 500 hours of supervised peer recovery work (volunteer or paid)Completion of core peer support training aligned with SAMHSA Peer Core CompetenciesCertification in overdose response and naloxone administrationValid Virginia driver’s license with acceptable driving recordProficiency with Microsoft Office, telehealth platforms, and secure documentation systemsDemonstrated cultural competence, risk assessment, and community outreach skillsPreferred Qualifications:Experience in community-based harm reduction or overdose prevention programsAbility to lead and mentor multidisciplinary care teams in the peer recovery area of expertisePHYSICAL DEMANDSAbility to travel locally to community sites, public health events, and patients within the city limits and surrounding countiesAbility to stand, present, and engage groups for extended periodsMust be able to operate standard office equipmentOccasional lifting of up to 25 pounds independently for materials, equipment, or outreach kitsMust have substantial movements of the body, wrists, hands, and or fingersMust be able to work in various environmental conditions as well as temperature changes. Required to have visual acuity to operate motor vehicles and or equipment. Must be able to perceive the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction and receive detailed information through oral communication.CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENTSubject to background checks, drug screening, and adherence to HIPAA, data security protocols, and annual HIPAA/confidentiality trainingParticipation in overdose response education, training, and public health eventsA vehicle and fuel card for all job-related travel may be provided upon requestMust wear RAA uniform during performance of official duties and conform to all RAA policies and standard operating guidelinesMust maintain all required certifications and complete annual refresher trainingCommitment to ongoing professional development and cross-agency trainingSuccessful completion of a probationary period is required for all new hiresGENERAL POSITION PARAMETERSFull-Time, Hourly, Non-ExemptTarget Pay Range: $27.00 - $27.00 per hour Days – 8 hour shifts, 40 Hours per week