Certified Recovery Peer Specialist 
Hosptial Bridge Program - Lake & Sumter County

Position Overview:

The Certified Recovery Peer Specialist (CRPS) will serve as a first point of contact for individuals admitted to the emergency room due to an overdose. As a person with lived experience, the CRPS will provide support, resources, and a compassionate connection to help patients explore options for recovery. The primary goal of this role is to encourage patients to engage with peer recovery services, establish a bridge to continued support post-discharge, and facilitate linkage to community resources.

 

Key Responsibilities:

• Emergency Room Response:
  Respond promptly to calls from emergency room (ER) staff when a patient has been admitted following an overdose. Approach patients with empathy, understanding, and respect, offering hope and support during a critical moment in their recovery journey.

• Peer Support and Engagement:
  Provide non-clinical peer support by sharing personal recovery experiences, helping patients feel understood, and building trust to encourage participation in recovery services. Maintain a strengths-based approach that fosters hope, empowerment, and motivation for positive change.

• Resource Navigation and Linkage:
  Connect patients with local resources that support recovery, including outpatient treatment programs, recovery groups, housing, employment, and healthcare services. Offer information about available services within the RCO (Recovery Community Organization) and external community resources.

• Follow-Up and Continued Engagement:
  Ensure continuity of care by coordinating follow-up visits or calls with patients post-discharge. Work with patients to develop individualized recovery plans and provide continued peer support to encourage long-term engagement with recovery services.

• Collaboration with ER Staff:
  Build and maintain a positive working relationship with ER staff to streamline the referral process, educate staff on peer support services, and advocate for patient-centered, recovery-oriented approaches within the hospital environment.

• Documentation and Reporting:
  Document patient interactions, support provided, and any necessary referrals in accordance with organizational and regulatory requirements. Ensure confidentiality of all patient information and adhere to HIPAA regulations.

• Outreach and Education:
  Assist in educating hospital staff, patients, and the community on the role of peer support in recovery and the resources available through the Hospital Bridge Program. Participate in hospital or community outreach events as needed.

 

Qualifications:

• Lived Experience:
  Personal experience with substance use recovery and demonstrated success in maintaining a healthy, substance-free lifestyle. Willingness to share personal experiences as part of the recovery journey in a professional and supportive manner.

• Certification:
  Certified as a Peer Specialist (or eligible to be certified) in the state of Florida. Candidates without certification must obtain it within a specified timeframe as outlined by the organization.

• Communication Skills:
  Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. Ability to connect with patients in crisis situations with empathy, respect, and a non-judgmental attitude.

• Organizational Skills:
  Ability to maintain accurate records, manage time effectively, and balance multiple patient interactions and responsibilities in a dynamic environment.

• Knowledge of Community Resources:
  Familiarity with local recovery support services, mental health resources, housing assistance programs, and other community resources available to individuals in recovery.

• Professionalism:
  Ability to work collaboratively with hospital staff, maintain a professional demeanor, and adhere to all organizational policies, including those related to confidentiality and boundaries.

 

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to be present and active in a various community settings.

• Occasional travel to other healthcare facilities or community events may be required.

 

Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications

• Paid time off and holidays

• Professional development and certification support

• Opportunities for personal and professional growth within a supportive, recovery-focused organization

 

Compensation: Commensurate with experience and other qualifications.

Starting Pay: $31,200 Annually (based on experience)

 

Job Type: Full-time

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Schedule: 40 hours, some nights and/or weekends

 

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

• Recovery Peer Specialist Certification (Preferred)