Peer Recovery Navigator SME

Position Title: Peer Recovery Navigator [SME]

Position End Date: 09/29/26

Location: Georgia Department of Public Health [hybrid]

Salary: $26.44/hr

The CDC Foundation is working with CDC and state and local partners to provide surge capacity that strengthens surveillance, prevention, and response activities within the Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) program. The Foundation seeks candidates for the Community-Based Overdose Prevention Peer Navigator – Subject Matter Expert (SME) role. Under general supervision, the Community-Based Overdose Prevention Peer Navigator [SME] will engage with individuals and community organizations to provide connection, support, education, and linkage to resources.

Drawing on lived experience with substance use disorder, recovery, community-based overdose prevention strategies, or co-occurring conditions, the Peer Navigator [SME] will help individuals access services that promote safety, wellness, and self-directed recovery. The Peer Navigator [SME] will support communities by sharing community-based overdose prevention knowledge, promoting overdose-prevention strategies, and strengthening linkages to community-based support, services, and resources. This role plays an important part in advancing statewide efforts to reduce overdose risk and improve outcomes for people who use drugs.

• A Bachelor’s degree in public health, social sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum of two (2) years of related work experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge in overdose prevention, substance use disorder treatment, community-based overdose prevention, recovery, and/or drug policy.
• Experience providing in-person and remote technical assistance and support, including tailored guidance and subject matter expertise.
• Ability to build rapport and communicate effectively with diverse communities, including people dealing with substance use disorders and community-based overdose prevention partners.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills with the ability to work independently and manage priorities.
• Proficiency with digital communication and reporting tools.
• Ability to travel statewide as needed.

• Meet with individuals affected by substance use in a variety of community settings, adjusting outreach and engagement methods based on program needs and the circumstances of the individuals served.
• Use motivational interviewing, mentoring, and peer-informed communication strategies to assess readiness for change and support individuals in identifying their own goals and priorities.
• Facilitate and coordinate warm handoffs to appropriate services, including community-based overdose prevention supports, treatment and recovery resources, and other community-based programs identified as important by the individual.
• Assist individuals in developing personal goals through one-on-one engagement and, when appropriate, group-based support sessions.
• Build and strengthen relationships with external stakeholders and service providers to expand access to community resources, community-based overdose prevention support, and recovery-oriented services.
• Collaborate with community partners to promote access to evidence-based support, including overdose-prevention tools, and recovery services.
• Participate in ongoing training and continuing education opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills relevant to community-based overdose prevention, and peer support.
• Maintain required peer or recovery community certifications or take timely steps to obtain certification as outlined by state and organizational requirements immediately following onboarding.
• Complete accurate documentation and data collection for all relevant activities, including site visits, engagement, referrals, and partner coordination.
• This position involves local travel and to engage participants, comply with all vehicle-related requirements, including passing pre-hire and annual motor-vehicle checks and maintaining required auto liability insurance.

This role is involved in a dynamic public health program. As such, roles and responsibilities are subject to change as situations evolve. Roles and responsibilities…