Under the supervision of the Director of Social Services, the Community Health Worker: Peer Recovery Support assists patients who are enrolled in the opioid recovery program (ORP) with recovery from opioid use disorder to fully engage or reengage in treatment and supportive services to improve their health and quality of life. Primary responsibilities include coordinating with the ORP team to identify individuals who could benefit from ORP services, building trust and informing patients about treatment options, assisting patients in entering ORP, and remaining engaged in treatment and supportive services.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Works collaboratively with Unity providers, mental health clinicians, and social service staff to identify patients with opioid use disorder.
• Provides individual assistance to help patients not in treatment to enter or reenter the ORP program; provides support until they are fully engaged in care.
• Conducts outreach to the community through local organizations to inform them of Unity Health Care's program
• Provides home visits to engage or re-engage patients in care.
• Provides accurate information to clients about coping with addiction, treatment options, and how to access available services.
• Develops and maintains a professional working relationship with clients.
• Collaborates with Social Service staff to assist with case management needs related to addictions, mental illness, homelessness, domestic violence, family issues, and ongoing support.
• Accurately documents and locks all patient encounters in eClinical Works (eCW) and responds to messages, referrals, and telephone encounters within established time frames per electronic medical record policy.
• Completes screening for Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), and refer to case manager to address identified needs.
• Participates in professional development opportunities.
• Attends departmental, health center, and provider meetings and mandatory training and meetings.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

* High school diploma or equivalent or higher.

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

*Minimum two years experience in work related to behavioral health and addictions.

*Minimum two years experience as a community health worker or peer recovery specialist with diverse populations.

*Preferred: Active certification or waiver as a Peer Specialist or Recovery Coach through the Department of Behavioral Health's Certified Peer Specialist or similar training program.

*Knowledge of DC community resources and services; ability to determine client needs related to social services.

*Basic computer skills and the ability to type required