General Summary of Position
Provides non-clinical services intended to aid patients in establishing recovery from high risk of dependent alcohol and drug use problems. Works with a team at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital (MGUH) that provides peer support and motivation to encourage patients who are seeking treatment for alcohol or drug dependency and addiction issues. Assists in completing referrals to treatment services and developing service plans to promote successful linkage to treatment services. Services will be provided at MGUH with appropriate follow-up; and patients nurse must be notified before peer recovery coach visits the patient. These functions are performed in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital's philosophy, policies, procedures and standards.

Minimum Qualifications
Education

• High School Diploma or GED required

Experience

• Must be actively engaged in his/her own recovery program with a minimum of three years demonstrated personal recovery and sustained abstinence from alcohol and/or drug use with no relapses. A minimum of two years of professional experience in a substance use disorder setting providing peer support/navigation, or certified peer specialist through the DC department of behavioral health, or recovery coach required

Licenses and Certifications

• Cert Peer Recovery Specialist - CPRS preferred or
• attained within 180 Days required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Job requires a moderate level of problem solving.
• Standard methods, guides, and procedures are generally available.
• Internal contacts necessary to effectively explain and interpret information for others inside the Hospital.
• Work generally has standard procedures and instructions but may require deviation from established methods to achieve results.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities


• Acts as a peer support throughout the hospitalization and post-discharge, as appropriate to facilitate attainment of goals.
• Acts as a resource to other clinical team members on recovery support.
• Assists patients in linking to community support services and substance treatment services including securing appointment and transportation.
• Assists patient and family with understanding how to utilize the community services.
• Completes required documentation and other reports.
• Conducts brief interventions to patients that screen positive for alcohol and/or drug use.
• Consults with nursing staff, social work as requested, even if patient does not screen positive.
• Contributes to the achievement of established department goals and objectives and adheres to department policies, procedures, quality standards and safety standards. Complies with governmental
• and accreditation regulations.
• Identifies patient's history of drug/alcohol use, treatment history, motivation to change behavior and other needs for community support services.
• Identifies patient's readiness to change and utilizes motivational interviewing techniques and other communication skills to support a plan for reducing or eliminating harmful drug and/or alcohol use.
• Models coping techniques and self-help strategies.
• Participates in trainings to continually gain new skills.
• Provides family members with recovery support materials.
• Provides telephone outreach to patients to assist with linkages and continued peer support.
• Telephones treatment providers to verify patient showed up for appointment; and follow-up by telephone with any patient that misses an appointment.
• Works with the Emergency Department staff and social worker to identify community support services.
• Attends required staff and other meetings.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities that are appropriate to the position and area. The above responsibilities are a general description of the level and nature of the work assigned to this classification and is not to be considered as all-inclusive.




Why MedStar Health?
At MedStar Health, we understand that our ability to treat others well begins with how we treat each other. We work hard to foster an inclusive and positive environment where our associates feel valued, connected, and empowered. We live up to this promise through:

• Strong emphasis on teamwork—our associates feel connected to each other and our mission as an organization. In return, our effective team environment generates positive patient outcomes and high associate satisfaction ratings that exceed the national benchmark.
• Comprehensive total rewards package—including competitive pay, generous paid time off, great health and wellness benefits, retirement savings, education assistance, and so much more.
• More career opportunities closer to home—as the largest healthcare provider in the Baltimore-Washington, D.C. region, there are countless opportunities to grow your career and fulfill your aspirations.

About MedStar Health
MedStar Health is dedicated to providing the highest quality care for people in Maryland and the Washington, D.C., region, while advancing the practice of medicine through education, innovation, and research. Our team of 32,000 includes physicians, nurses, residents, fellows, and many other clinical and non-clinical associates working in a variety of settings across our health system, including 10 hospitals and more than 300 community-based locations, the largest home health provider in the region, and highly respected institutes dedicated to research and innovation. As the medical education and clinical partner of Georgetown University for more than 20 years, MedStar Health is dedicated not only to teaching the next generation of doctors, but also to the continuing education, professional development, and personal fulfillment of our whole team. Together, we use the best of our minds and the best of our hearts to serve our patients, those who care for them, and our communities. It’s how we treat people.