Blue Ridge Health is currently seeking a Peer Support Specialist to be part of our Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Team in Spindale, NC.

• A competitive benefits plan, including Medical, Dental and Vision
• Company sponsored life insurance and short and long-term disability coverage
• 403(b) retirement account with company matching
• Supplemental accident insurance available
• 9 paid holidays per year
• PTO and Personal Day accrual, starting day 1 - (We value a work-life balance!)
• Flexible Work Schedules Considered
• Needs Accommodations Programs
• Mental Health Resources
• Telework Opportunities Considered
• Tuition Reimbursement Program

The Peer Support Specialist plays a unique and vital role in supporting each individual in his or her journey of recovery. The Peer Support Specialist is responsible for providing an array of support services and interventions designed to inspire hope, support personal responsibility, offer education, and promote self-advocacy and self-determination. Responsibilities include:

• Handle warmline calls, complete intakes, assist with check-in/out (vitals, urine drug screens, distributing Narcan, telehealth setup, paperwork, follow-up scheduling), and co-facilitate MAT groups.
• Provide services to individuals with substance use disorder not yet in the program and manage waitlists for care transfers.
• Model recovery principles, use self-disclosure, promote wellness, teach harm reduction, and support individuals through various stages of change.
• Help individuals access healthcare, housing, transportation, legal services, and social supports; teach daily living skills and resource navigation.
• Apply trauma-informed practices, promote alternatives to hospitalization, and ensure safety during crises.
• Encourage participation in social activities, support building informal support networks, and facilitate access to community resources.
• Empower individuals by teaching self-advocacy and helping them exercise their legal and human rights.
• Consistently model recovery-oriented behavior, use person-first language, and support a positive environment.
• Complete required reports, maintain communication with supervisors, and assist with program operations as needed.

• High school diploma or equivalent (required)
• Previous Peer Support Specialist (PSS), Community Health Worker (CHW), Community Navigator or Family Navigator (preferred)
• Certification from a Peer Support Training Program
• Excellent communication skills
• Valid Driver's license and acceptable driving history

At Blue Ridge Health our mission is to improve Health, inspire Hope, and advance Healing through access to Compassionate, Affordable, and Quality Care. We are seeking individuals with a passion for creating an exceptional patient and client care experience to join our team! We are a nonprofit system of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) that works closely with communities to meet the ever-changing medical and behavioral healthcare needs of individuals throughout WNC.

Blue Ridge Health Services promotes a supportive and inclusive culture, sensitive to the diversity of the individuals we serve and our workforce. Challenging unconscious bias, inviting a culture of individual expression, and ongoing sensitivity to organizational practices are fundamental of staff expectations. This focus contributes to the importance of Blue Ridge Health’s investment to advance as a culturally competent organization.

We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.