Era Supports - Peer Support Specialist

Era Supports | Peer Support Specialist | Mental Health | Primary Care & Substance Use Disorder (District of Columbia area)

Era Supports is a mission-driven behavioral health medical group that provides whole person care and uses the collaborative care model to support patients with substance use disorder (SUD). Era aims to support SUD patients using medications for addiction treatment and a harm reduction approach to care, centering that care with principal care providers and maintaining patients in their primary medical home. We also aim to leverage technology, promote evidence-based practices and increase value to help improve outcomes and reduce treatment disparities in SUD care.  

Benefits:

• Hybrid (remote & in-person) work environment with employer supplied computer equipment.
• Work/life balance with paid holidays, sick time, and PTO plans.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision plans effective on the first day of employment.
• Open to both full time and part time work.
• Be a part of building an innovative, evidence-based and patient-centered solution in addiction care, with opportunities for leadership/advancement. 

Compensation:

• Total salary is factored on education and experience level as well as geographic location, and paid on a biweekly basis. Peer Support Specialist located in the DC/MD/VA area: $50,000 - $55,000 for full time work.

Job Summary:

The Peer Support Specialist is a core member of the Collaborative Care team involving the patient's primary care provider, licensed social worker/counselor (behavioral care manager), psychiatric consultant and other behavioral health providers. The Peer Support Specialist provides peer support services to persons with mental illness and/or substance use disorders. Service provision will focus on working with patients to enhance their recovery and support their treatment goals. Service will be provided to individuals and groups. 

As part of the Collaborative Care team, the Peer Support Specialist will help provide evidence-based interventions to promote patient recovery goals, symptom reduction and optimal patient outcomes. They use a world-class technology platform to engage patients in treatment and provide individualized brief interventions, guidance and coaching in Primary Care and Family Practice settings. Psychosocial education and support, including connection with community resources, is provided to encourage a harm reduction approach to addiction care and support patients with recovery goals. 

The Peer Support Specialist will also work with eligible patients and their healthcare team to optimize care management through care planning, transitions support and coordination, by supporting patients in a Chronic Care Management program that is integrated with Collaborative Care and SUD supports. 

Specialists that are team players who are excellent communicators, flexible, creative and have a strong desire to advocate for their patients and the communities they serve will thrive in this role.

Available Shifts in Eastern Time Zone: 9:00am - 5:00pm. The Peer Support Specialist will regularly be expected to meet with patients at partner-site healthcare clinics throughout the DC area, with most work being facilitated remotely. Travel will be supported by Era Supports. 

Required Education and Experience:

• Education: High School Diploma or GED equivalent, preference for Bachelor’s degree.
• Past or present consumer of mental health or substance use services with a history of managing one's own recovery. Awareness of the importance of recovery in living with a mental illness or substance use disorder. A proponent of a harm reduction approach to addiction care. Familiarity with or use of medications for addiction treatment is preferred. 
• Familiarity and experience in working with individuals with substance use disorders.
• No licensure requirements. 
• Located in the DC/MD/VA region. 

Highly Preferred Experience, Attributes and Skills:

• Preferably 1-5 years experience as a peer support specialist. 
• Additional certification/training in mental health and/or SUD/addiction treatment/services, such as a Certified Addictions Counselor (CAC) or similar credentials.
• Familiarity and experience of working within a Collaborative Care Model.
• Familiarity and experience of working within a Chronic Care Management program.
• Experience working in underserved communities and with patients across a range of mental illnesses and social conditions.
• Proficiency in peer-lead coaching and guidance, including the use of motivational interviewing and group support sessions.
• Proficiency in supporting peers/patients in connecting with community supports.
• Technical proficiency in a variety of platforms including EHRs and population health management tools, ability to quickly learn new technology.
• Knowledge of/experience with behavioral health screening tools (PHQ9, GAD7, BAM, etc)  and measurement-based care.
• Previous experience working in an early-stage healthcare company.
• Familiarity with communities and resources in the DC/MD/VA area.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Selection Process: Three Stages

• Qualified candidates will be scheduled for a 30-minute virtual interview to discuss their experience, qualifications, base salary expectations, and an overview of Era Supports’ care model.
• Qualified candidates will be scheduled for a 30-minute virtual assessment interview analyzing the competencies required for the role.
• Qualified candidates with the required experience, qualifications, and base salary expectations will be scheduled for a 45-minute virtual interview with Clinical and Operations Leaders.
• Estimated Completion Time: Two to Three Weeks.

Era Supports is a diverse and inclusive Equal Opportunity Employer; we prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind in our culture. We are dedicated to providing a safe, equitable, respectful, and supportive work environment to all without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, genetics, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of work, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. All Era Supports employees are expected to comply with this policy. If you share our vision and are good at what you do, come as you are. You are welcome here.