Peer Engagement Specialist

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.