Harm Reduction Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

PEER RECOVERY SPECIALIST TIER 1 - Addiction Response Team (ART) - Hospital Sector

Peer Recovery Specialist – Tier 1 is a foundational role within the Addiction Response Team (ART) providing peer-based engagement, outreach, and connection to treatment and recovery services through lived experience. Tier 1 Peer Recovery Specialists build core peer support competencies while learning ART workflows, grant requirements, Medicaid expectations, and embedded sector operations (jail, court, hospital/clinic, community).

The Peer Recovery Specialist – Tier 1 reports to the Peer Recovery Supervisor and indirectly to the Program Manager.

Hospital / Clinic Sector – Role Summary (Tier 1 Peer)

· Complete facility onboarding and healthcare workflow training

· Develop understanding of hospital and emergency department workflows

· Support engagement using SBIRT and AUDIT-C screening tools, as appropriate

· Develop familiarity with FirstNet (Banner) and EPIC (UCHealth) documentation systems as needed for coordination

· Provide harm reduction education related to alcohol, THC, and other substances

· Offer encouragement and peer support to individuals considering MAT or treatment services

· Support referrals to care coordination and assist individuals with follow-up appointment navigation

· Participate in outreach within required post-discharge timelines (e.g., 48 hours, 14 days, 45 days) through peer engagement

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Tier 1 staff are expected to build foundational knowledge and skills through training, supervision, and supported practice.

· Minimum of two (2) years in active personal recovery from substance use

· Ability to engage individuals through shared lived experience while maintaining professional boundaries

· Ability to model recovery-oriented behaviors and reinforce strengths-based, person-centered approaches

· Foundational understanding of substance use disorders, including common substances, withdrawal basics, harm reduction principles, and overdose response

· Foundational knowledge of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and how peers support engagement in MAT

· Awareness of co-occurring mental health conditions (recognizing signs, not diagnosing)

· Ability to engage individuals in hospital, jail, court, office, and community-based settings

· Cultural humility and ability to effectively engage diverse populations

· Strong verbal and written communication skills (phone, in-person, and electronic formats)

· Strong decision-making, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities

· Ability to manage stressful situations calmly and non-reactively

· Ability to adjust priorities as member needs change

· Ability to maintain strict confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and organizational policy

· Basic computer skills or willingness to learn EMR systems and data collection platforms including RDP

· Reliable transportation and able to meet the requirements for driving a company vehicle (driving record)

   Ability to work independently in environments with frequent interruptions

· This role requires strict adherence to confidentiality requirements, including HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, organizational policies, and ethical peer practices.

Key Responsibilities

Peer Support & Engagement

· Provide peer-based support through lived experience, encouragement, and recovery-focused conversation

· Build foundational understanding of person-centered, strengths-based, and recovery-oriented language

· Engage in training and supervised practice of motivational interviewing techniques

· Support individuals in identifying recovery goals and next steps

· Promote independence by sharing resources and modeling recovery behaviors

· Act as an ambassador to individuals experiencing substance use by connecting them to treatment, recovery, harm reduction, and community support resources

Member Engagement, Referrals & Follow-Up

· Intake and contact incoming referrals within 2–24 business hours

· Complete intake assessments and reassessments in RDP within required timelines

· Support short-term monitoring and follow-up

· Assist individuals with navigating appointments, referrals, follow-up care, and medication coordination

· Participate in outreach through phone, office, hospital, jail, court, and community-based interactions

· Attend appointments with individuals and providers, as appropriate

· Support transitions from hospitals, crisis centers, jails, and courts into community-based care

· Utilize referral tracking tools in RDP to support continuity of care

· Participate in required surveys and assessments, including GPRA, BARC-10, and Recovery Domain Assessment at enrollment and follow-up intervals (as applicable to peer scope)

Documentation & Data Compliance

· Complete peer documentation in the Recovery Data Platform (RDP) within the same or next business day

· Enter demographics, interactions, embedded locations, outreach events, and referrals in accordance with grant requirements

· Maintain accurate and timely documentation aligned with ART workflows

· Maintain strict confidentiality of all participant records and communications

Education & Training

· High School Diploma or GED (required)

· Completion of required Peer Recovery Coach coursework (Preferred)

· Mental Health First Aid (within 90 days)

Licensure & Certifications

· Valid Colorado Driver’s License and proof of insurance (required)

· Compliance with health and safety requirements

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

· Annual Influenza Vaccination Required

· Frequent public contact by phone and in person

· Frequent sitting, standing, walking, and stair climbing

· Occasional lifting up to 30 pounds

· Regular community travel for outreach and embedded assignments

Other Duties as Assigned

· Provide assistance as designated by ART Supervisors, Program Manager, and NCHA leadership

· Support development and revision of policies and procedure

· Uphold and promote the mission and vision of NCHA

· Maintain compliance with NCHA and partner program requirements

· Attend required meetings and trainings

· Participate in ongoing performance improvement activities

· Perform other duties as needed to meet organizational demands, including flexible scheduling or work location changes

The above job definition information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Job duties and responsibilities are subject to change based on changing business needs and conditions

The North Colorado Health Alliance convenes partners and co-workers in education, community service, health care, business, faith-based organizations, and government. The Alliance’s mission is to see Northern Colorado become the healthiest region in the healthiest state by developing and supporting a healthy population with 100% access to quality service and care at a sustainable cost.