Peer Recovery Coach & Doula Specialist - Center Excellence in Disabilities

Job Description - Peer Recovery Coach & Doula Specialist - Center for Excellence in Disabilities (27156)

Peer Recovery Coach & Doula Specialist - Center for Excellence in Disabilities 27156

The Center for Excellence in Disabilities at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Peer Recovery Coach and Doula Specialist. This is an on‑site position.

The Peer Recovery Coach & Doula Specialist provides compassionate, culturally sensitive, and trauma‑informed peer support and advocacy services to women with current or past substance use disorders who have infants and/or young children (ages 0‑5). This position leverages lived experience with recovery and/or substance use, along with Doula expertise, to empower mothers to achieve and maintain long‑term recovery, strengthen parent‑child bonds, promote healthy family dynamics, and navigate complex systems of care.

This role serves as a bridge between the client and support services, including medical, mental health, childcare, housing, and social services.

We strongly believe in work‑life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 15 annual leave (vacation) days per year or more based on years of service (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you’re ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own or your family’s, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in‑laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ’s.
• Wellness programs

• Provide individual and group peer support to women, sharing personal experiences of recovery to inspire hope and foster a sense of community.
• Build trusting relationships with clients, offering empathy, active listening, and non‑judgmental support.
• Assist clients in identifying their strengths, setting recovery goals, and developing individualized recovery plans.
• Facilitate the development of coping skills, relapse prevention strategies, and healthy lifestyle choices.
• Support clients in navigating the complexities of substance use treatment, mental health services, and other relevant programs.
• Accompany clients to appointments (e.g., medical, therapy, court) as needed, providing emotional support and advocacy.
• Connect clients to relevant resources and support networks, including support groups, mutual aid organizations (e.g., 12‑step programs), and other community services.
• Provide crisis intervention and de‑escalation support as needed, following established protocols.
• Doula Expertise & Family Support
  • Utilize knowledge of traditional practices, cultural beliefs, and communication styles relevant to the Doula community to provide culturally competent support to clients and families.
  • Offer support and education to pregnant and postpartum women.
  • Facilitate communication and strengthen the parent‑child bond by offering information on nurturing practices, breastfeeding, and the importance of early childhood development.
  • Help clients navigate and access resources related to prenatal care, childcare, parenting education, and family support services.
  • Assist in addressing any cultural barriers or misunderstandings that may arise within the client’s care.
  • Advocate for the client’s cultural needs and preferences within the healthcare system.
  • Provide support in accessing resources specific to Doula culture.
• Collaboration and Coordination
  • Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of professionals, including clinicians, case managers, medical staff, and other support personnel.
  • Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and staff trainings.
  • Maintain accurate and confidential client records, adhering to all HIPAA regulations and organizational policies.
  • Assist in identifying systemic barriers to recovery…