Peer Recovery Support Specialist

Peer Recovery Support Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY

The Peer Recovery Support Specialist is a member of the behavioral health team and provides non-clinical, peer-based support to individuals experiencing substance use and co-occurring behavioral health challenges. Drawing on lived experience and certified training, the Peer Navigator promotes recovery, wellness, and harm reduction, helping individuals access needed services and maintain engagement in their care.

This role provides direct support through outreach, education, system navigation, recovery planning, and harm reduction education, and collaborates with clinical providers, care coordinators, and community-based partners. The Peer Navigator respects each persons unique recovery journey and fosters a trusting, supportive relationship built on mutual respect and shared lived experience.

WHY LRMC:

Little River Medical Center is a non-profit community health center within Horry County. At Little River Medical Center, we strive to offer exceptional health services and deliver quality, compassionate care to everyone. We provide a wide range of affordable health and support services for every family.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned:

• Build supportive, nonjudgmental relationships with patients and community members who are navigating recovery and behavioral health challenges.
• Provide recovery-oriented peer support, including education on treatment options, harm reduction tools, relapse prevention, and recovery resources.
• Facilitate access to behavioral health and primary care services, including accompanying individuals to appointments and providing reminders and transportation support when needed.
• Support patients in developing recovery and wellness plans, setting goals, and identifying strengths and resources.
• Educate patients and community members on the use of Naloxone, Fentanyl and Xylazine test strips, and other overdose prevention strategies.
• Assist individuals with navigating treatment systems, including MOUD (Medication for Opioid Use Disorder), housing, employment, and recovery support services/resources.
• Participate in case reviews and care team meetings, maintaining a strong collaborative relationship with providers and staff.
• Ensures compliance with HIPAA and health policies, completes accurate documentation, participates in clinical meetings, and contributes to quality improvement efforts.
• Help patients prepare for medical visits, develop recovery support plans, and maintain engagement in care, while respecting each patients unique recovery path and offering ongoing health education.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The qualifications below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Lived experience with recovery from substance use and/or co-occurring mental health conditions.
• Certification as a Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) preferred or required within six months of hire.
• Familiarity with local behavioral health, substance use treatment, harm reduction, and recovery services.
• Commitment to harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and person-centered recovery models.
• Strong interpersonal, listening, and communication skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Must possess a valid drivers license and maintain a clean driving record.
• Bilingual (especially Spanish/English) preferred.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Associates degree in human services healthcare or related field preferred.
• Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) preferred or required within six months of hire.
• Minimum one year of experience in peer support, recovery coaching, outreach, or related work.
• Must have understanding of the goals and mission of LRMC.
• Must maintain clean driving record.

LRMC offers benefits such as:

• Medical, Vision & Dental insurance.
• Employer matched 403B Retirement Plan.
• Paid Vacation time, Sick time, & Holiday''s. As well as paid qualifying Administrative Leave.
• Employer Paid Health Benefits: Life / AD&D Policies, Short/Long Term Disability, and a Employee Assistant Plan.