Peer Recovery Specialist

This position is employed through a contract company and will operate as a subcontracted role supporting the Portsmouth Health Department Comprehensive Harm Reduction Program. We are seeking three Peer Recovery Specialists to support individuals receiving services through the Portsmouth Health Department Comprehensive Harm Reduction Program. The Peer Recovery Specialists will be integrated into clinic operations while receiving ongoing support, supervision, and professional development from the Overdose Prevention Coordinator.

The Peer Recovery Specialist (PRS) is responsible for providing recovery-oriented peer support services to individuals affected by substance use disorders. Work involves outreach, engagement, education, resource navigation, and recovery support using lived experience as a foundation for service delivery. The position operates within a public health framework and supports overdose prevention, harm reduction, and recovery-oriented systems of care in the City of Portsmouth.

Responsibilities include:
Harm Reduction Outreach: Support the Health Department’s harm reduction initiatives, including the Comprehensive Harm Reduction (CHR) program. Educate participants on safer practices and distribute life-saving supplies like Naloxone (Narcan).

Linkage to Care: Facilitate “warm handoffs” to local Portsmouth resources, including but not limited to Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) providers, mental health services, and the Portsmouth Department of Social Services.

Community Engagement: Represent the Health Department at local events, parks, and high-traffic areas to build trust with Portsmouth’s unhoused population or those actively living with substance use disorder.

Overdose Post-Intervention: Provide follow-up support to residents who have recently experienced an overdose, offering immediate recovery resources and emotional support.

Health Education: Assist in educating the community on infectious disease prevention (such as Hepatitis C and HIV) as it relates to substance use.

Data Integrity: Track outreach metrics and participant engagement to help the department identify emerging “hot spots” of need within the city.

Essential Job Functions:

Provides peer recovery support services to individuals impacted by substance use disorders.
Conducts outreach and engagement in community and field-based settings.
Provides harm reduction and overdose prevention education.
Assists individuals in navigating behavioral health, medical, housing, and social services.
Collaborates with community partners and public safety agencies.
Maintains accurate documentation and complies with confidentiality laws.
Maintains peer certification and ethical standards.
Provide non-clinical support during difficult periods, helping participants utilize their relapse prevention plans and coping strategies.
Identify and link individuals to community-based resources, including 12-step programs, SMART Recovery, faith-based groups, or harm reduction services.
Assist individuals in identifying their personal strengths and developing plans. Help set achievable goals for housing, employment, and health.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of recovery-oriented systems of care, harm reduction, and community resources.
Skill in communication, engagement, and documentation.
Ability to work independently, maintain boundaries, and respond to crisis situations.

Minimum Qualifications:
Lived experience with recovery.
At least two years of sustained recovery.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Pass a state background check.

Preferred Qualifications:
Possess a state-recognized Peer Recovery Specialist Certification (CPRS, CRPS, etc.)