Summary

The Peer Recovery Coach (PRC) is a vital member of the Morton Hospital care team and provides non‑clinical, recovery‑oriented peer-to-peer support to individuals with substance use disorders and co‑occurring health or behavioral health needs. The Peer Recovery Coach uses lived experience, recovery coaching principles, and a trauma‑informed approach to engage patients, promote hope, reduce stigma, and support sustained recovery.

Peer Recovery Coaches focus on addressing recovery needs and social drivers of health by supporting patients in navigating healthcare systems, recovery supports, and community‑based services. The PRC works collaboratively with physicians, nurses, social workers, case managers, and community partners while maintaining a clearly defined non‑clinical peer support role within the interdisciplinary care team.

All Brown University Health employees are expected to role model the organization’s values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence, and demonstrate strong collaboration, patient focus, and respect for diversity.

Responsibilities

Peer Recovery Coaches must understand and apply Massachusetts BSAS peer recovery standards, trauma‑informed care, and motivational engagement strategies while maintaining ethical peer boundaries.

Specifically, the Peer Recovery Coach will:

• Work collaboratively on an interdisciplinary hospital care team using an integrated, recovery‑oriented model.
• Engage patients through rapport building, peer recovery coaching conversations, and motivational interviewing techniques.
• Provide non‑clinical education on substance use disorder treatment options, harm reduction strategies, overdose prevention, and recovery supports.
• Support patients during Emergency Department, inpatient, and care transition encounters, including initiation or continuation of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), without providing clinical services.
• Advocate for patient goals and preferences during care planning and discharge processes.
• Assist patients in navigating community‑based recovery supports, housing resources, insurance, transportation, food access, and related social services.
• Facilitate warm hand‑offs and referrals to treatment providers and recovery community organizations.
• Use professional judgment when responding to patient crises such as relapse, housing loss, or emotional distress, and escalate concerns using a team‑based approach and established hospital protocols.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of peer recovery services in the electronic medical record.
• Participate in supervision, team meetings, and ongoing training required to maintain Massachusetts peer certification.

Essential Duties

Under the supervision of the designated program supervisor and in collaboration with hospital leadership, the Peer Recovery Coach will:

• Conduct recovery‑oriented intake conversations to identify strengths, needs, and recovery goals.
• Support patients in developing and maintaining recovery and self‑management strategies.
• Provide follow‑up and outreach to assigned patients after discharge or Emergency Department visits.
• Coordinate care efforts with existing providers, case managers, and recovery partners.
• Work variable shifts as program needs require, including some weekends or evenings.

Minimum Qualifications

Certification & Eligibility

• Massachusetts‑recognized Peer Recovery Coach or Peer Specialist certification, or ability to obtain within one (1) year of hire through a BSAS‑recognized program.
• Lived experience with substance use recovery, including a minimum of two (2) years of sustained recovery and active engagement in personal recovery.
• High school diploma or GED required; must be at least 18 years of age.

Experience & Skills

• Two (2) years of peer recovery support or related experience preferred.
• Knowledge of recovery‑oriented systems of care and community resources.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Basic computer skills and experience with electronic medical records preferred.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including occasional evenings or weekends.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hospital‑based or Emergency Department peer experience.
• Experience working with justice‑involved, unhoused, or underserved populations.

Role Clarification

The Peer Recovery Coach role is non‑clinical and non‑medical. The PRC does not diagnose, provide therapy, or replace clinical treatment. The focus of the role is peer support, recovery coaching, system navigation, and connection to community resources in alignment with Massachusetts BSAS standards.

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EEO Statement:

Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.

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