Peer Support Specialist - Mobile Narcotic Treatment Program

Description

Janus of Santa Cruz is a nonprofit provider of compassionate, client-centered substance use disorder treatment. Our Mobile Narcotic Treatment Program (NTP) brings medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and supportive services directly into the community to reduce barriers and support recovery for individuals who may not have access to traditional clinic settings.

Position Summary

The Peer Support Specialist on the Mobile NTP uses lived experience with substance use recovery to build trust, reduce stigma, and support clients accessing methadone and other MAT services in the field. This role is an essential part of a multidisciplinary team providing trauma-informed, harm-reduction-focused care throughout Santa Cruz County.

Key Responsibilities

Client Engagement & Support

• Build rapport with clients using empathy, cultural humility, and shared lived experience.
• Provide non-clinical support during mobile dosing operations, helping clients navigate services and stay engaged in treatment.
• Offer peer counseling, encouragement, and practical assistance to promote stability and recovery.
• Support clients in identifying strengths, setting goals, and accessing resources such as medical care, mental health services, housing, and social supports.
• Act as a recovery role model, demonstrating healthy coping strategies and a positive, non-judgmental presence.

Mobile Unit Operations

• Assist staff in daily setup and breakdown of the mobile clinic.
• Maintain a safe, welcoming environment around the dosing area.
• Help manage client flow, provide direction, and ensure respectful interactions on site.
• Work collaboratively with LVNs, counselors, and the driver to maintain smooth mobile operations.

Advocacy & Community Navigation

• Advocate for client needs within the treatment team and the broader service system.
• Provide referrals and warm hand-offs to supportive services (housing, benefits, mental health, social services).
• Help clients understand their rights, responsibilities, and opportunities within treatment.
• Support culturally responsive, equitable access to care.

Documentation & Communication

• Document client interactions and progress notes in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) per program standards.
• Maintain confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA and all regulatory requirements.
• Communicate clearly with team members to ensure coordinated, client-centered care.

The hours for this role are Monday - Friday 5:30am - 2pm.

Responsibilities

The Peer Support Specialist

• Supports people in accessing or maintaining SUD treatment recognizing the validity of “multiple pathways to self-defined recovery”
• Respects the confidentiality of clients: aware of sensitive personal information about the families like medical files or finance information
• Communicates and understands well clients’ challenges and strengths and is able to build a working relationship through empathy and shared connections
• Validates each person’s progress, keeps them actively engaged in their recovery goals
• Supports exploring any and all resources when helping someone achieve recovery including healthy nutrition
• In collaboration with Program Manager, ensure that all supplies needed for the recovery residences are ordered delivered on time
• Is aware of the house calendar, daily housekeeping and maintenance performed by clients and is part of ensuring that the facility is always well-kept
• Helps clients to meet weekly schedules, chores, meetings, etc.
• Assists with data-tracking requirements related to peer support care in residential programs
• Someone who consistently responds positively, with creative problem solving, to changing house/client needs
• Follows trauma-informed care model

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Personal lived experience with substance use recovery and willingness to share experiences appropriately.
• Ability to maintain healthy boundaries and model positive recovery behaviors.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Commitment to harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and meeting clients where they are.
• Valid California driver’s license and clean three--year driving record and ability to travel throughout Santa Cruz County with the mobile team.
• This position will be driving our MNTP van (training provided).

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Peer Support Specialist or willingness to obtain certification (training may be provided).
• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, justice involvement, or co-occurring disorders.
• Bilingual English/Spanish.
• Familiarity with MAT programs and community services in Santa Cruz County.

Work Environment

• Field-based role working on and around a mobile medical unit.
• Requires flexibility, comfort in community settings, and the ability to adapt to changing conditions.
• Regular interaction with clients who may be in crisis, newly entering treatment, or experiencing instability.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive hourly rate based on experience.
• Benefits vary by position (medical, dental, vision, PTO, retirement).
• Professional training and growth opportunities, including peer certification support.

Why Join Janus?

As part of the Mobile NTP team, you will help bring life-saving treatment directly to people who need it most—removing barriers, strengthening recovery pathways, and helping build a healthier community.