Program Coordinator - Community Peer Support Specialist at African American Male Wellness Agency – Houston, Texas

The Peer Support Specialist – Linkage to Care plays a critical role in engaging individuals impacted by substance use disorders, mental health challenges, and social inequities. This position focuses on building trust through peer-to-peer support and connecting individuals to essential health, recovery, and social service resources.

The Peer Support Specialist will utilize lived experience with recovery and wellness to provide encouragement, guidance, and mentorship to individuals seeking support. This role will also assist the Program Manager in coordinating outreach activities, delivering overdose prevention education, and facilitating connections to treatment, recovery services, and community-based resources. In addition to community outreach responsibilities, this role will also support program sustainability efforts by assisting with business development activities, including outreach to businesses, community leaders, and organizations to build partnerships and secure sponsorship support for community health initiatives.

Roles and Responsibilities:

1. Peer Support and Outreach:

• Provide peer support to individuals affected by substance use disorders within Harris County, particularly focusing on Black communities.
• Conduct outreach efforts to engage individuals in harm reduction practices and provide support to those seeking assistance.

2. Recovery Support Services:

• Offer peer support to individuals who disclose a need for further support in connection to resources for recovery and life needs.
• Provide one-on-one coaching and assistance in navigating resources and accessing treatment services.
• Provide extensive follow-up services with each client to ensure barriers are removed, and resource connection is successful.

3. Community Resource Fairs:

• Participate in organizing and facilitating harm reduction resource fairs in targeted neighborhoods.
• Provide peer support and engage in conversations with community members to encourage participation and provide assistance.
• Support naloxone distribution efforts and provide peer education during community events.

4. Naloxone Training and Distribution:

• Assist in daily outreach efforts to distribute naloxone kits to community members.
• Provide peer support and education on naloxone administration to individuals and organizations, emphasizing its importance in preventing overdose deaths.

5. Business Development & Sponsorship Outreach

• Support program growth by assisting with business development and partnership outreach efforts.
• Conduct office-based outreach, including phone calls and email communications to businesses, community leaders, and organizations to introduce the program and explore sponsorship opportunities.
• Assist with identifying and cultivating relationships with potential corporate sponsors, community partners, and donors.
• Support the coordination of sponsorship opportunities for community events, outreach programs, and wellness initiatives.
• Maintain professional communication with prospective sponsors and community partners to strengthen long-term relationships.

While the primary focus of a Community Use Peer Support Specialist is on providing direct peer support and outreach services, they will also have certain administrative roles and responsibilities to support the smooth operation of the program.

Administrative tasks may include:

1. Documentation and Record-Keeping:

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of client interactions, including notes on support sessions, referrals made, and progress observed.
• Ensure that all documentation complies with confidentiality and privacy regulations.

2. Scheduling and Coordination:

• Schedule appointments and follow-up sessions with clients, ensuring that they receive timely support.
• Coordinate with other team members or service providers to arrange referrals or additional support services for clients as needed.

3. Data Entry and Reporting:

• Enter client data into the program's database or information management system accurately and in a timely manner.
• Assist in compiling data and generating reports on program activities, outcomes, and client progress for internal or external reporting purposes.

4. Resource Management:

• Maintain an inventory of educational materials, resources, and supplies needed for outreach activities or support sessions.
• Assist in ordering new materials or supplies as needed, keeping track of expenditures and budgets.

5. Communication and Collaboration:

• Communicate regularly with team members and supervisors to provide updates on client progress, challenges encountered, and any administrative needs.
• Collaborate with other staff members, including clinicians, outreach workers, and administrators, to ensure coordinated and integrated service delivery.

• Minimum of 1 year of experience in community outreach, public health, or substance abuse prevention.
• Strong computer skills
• Current Recovery Support Peer Specialist Certification
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and community stakeholders.
• Experience in event planning and coordination.
• Knowledge of harm reduction principles and strategies preferred.
• Familiarity with data collection and reporting processes.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.