Peer Recovery Coach

Peer Recovery Coach

Mental Health Department

Damien Center Values

Dignity-Collaboration-Accountability-Access-Quality-Innovation

Founded in 1987, Damien Center is Indiana’s oldest and largest AIDS service organization (ASO) and serves more than 8000 individuals living with or at risk for HIV through a comprehensive, innovative approach to care and prevention. Our purpose is to be a trusted partner in providing services, education and advocacy for all people living with or at risk for HIV and any person seeking a safe and welcoming home for care.

Our services include care coordination, clinical and pharmacy services, mental health, housing, and nutrition.

Position Summary:

The Peer Recovery Coach is a vital member of Damien Center’s interdisciplinary clinical team, providing recovery-oriented support and advocacy to individuals navigating substance use disorders and co-occurring conditions. As part of the CARE Program, this role supports efforts to reduce HIV transmission by engaging high-risk populations in recovery-focused services.

Drawing on lived experience, the Peer Recovery Coach builds trusting relationships with clients, facilitates access to treatment and community resources, and models healthy recovery behaviors. This role supports clients from initial engagement through treatment participation and post-discharge follow-up, offering individualized coaching, group support, and recovery-focused case management. The Peer Recovery Coach collaborates closely with therapists, medical providers, and psychiatric staff to promote client empowerment, retention in care, and long-term recovery.

Duties and Responsibilities:

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all required duties, responsibilities, and skills.

• Provide individualized coaching and support to clients seeking recovery from substance use disorders, helping them develop and implement personalized recovery plans.
• Maintain a caseload of 25–35 clients, adjusting intensity of support based on acuity and engagement.
• Serve as a consistent point of contact for clients throughout their treatment journey, including pre-enrollment, active participation, and post-discharge follow-up.
• Maintain and update a comprehensive directory of recovery-focused resources, including MAT providers, support groups, sober living environments, and detox/residential treatment programs.
• Connect clients to internal Damien Center services and external community resources based on individual needs and recovery goals.
• Assist clients in accessing HIV and Hepatitis C testing, harm reduction supplies, and educational materials.
• Participate in IOP group therapy sessions to model recovery behaviors, share lived experience, and foster peer connection.
• Facilitate community-based recovery support groups, promoting mutual aid and sustained engagement.
• Assist with client orientation, enrollment, and assessment processes for substance use treatment programming.
• Assist clinicians in responding to client crises, including suicidal ideation, intoxication, or behavioral escalation.
• Support safe transitions for clients in crisis, including coordination with emergency services when necessary.
• Conduct outreach to identify potential clients eligible for substance use treatment programming and build relationships with referral sources.
• Represent Damien Center at community events, recovery meetings, and networking opportunities to promote services and build relationships.
• Complete timely and accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, referrals, and follow-up activities in designated systems.
• Ensure all records are HIPAA-compliant and meet standards set by SAMHSA, DMHA, and internal policies.
• Provide transportation and accompany clients to appointments, recovery meetings, or community services as needed to support engagement and reduce barriers.
• Collaborate with therapists, medical providers, and psychiatric staff to coordinate care and contribute to treatment planning.
• Maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality, and ethical conduct in accordance with HIPAA…