Hospital Bridge's Peer Service Specialist

Position Summary:

The Hospital Bridge Peer Specialist provides peer support services to individuals identified in hospital settings who are experiencing substance use and/or co-occurring mental health disorders. This role focuses on engaging clients at bedside, building rapport through lived experience, and facilitating a seamless transition (“warm handoff”) to appropriate treatment and recovery support services in the community.

Essential Responsibilities and Target Outcome

Hospital Bridge Peer Specialist Specific Responsibilities and Target Outcomes:

·         Conduct bedside outreach and engagement with patients in hospital settings (e.g., ER, inpatient units).

·         Utilize lived experience to build trust, provide hope, and support individuals in early recovery.

·         Perform brief screenings and needs assessments related to substance use and recovery readiness.

·         Facilitate warm handoffs to detox, residential, outpatient, and community-based services.

·         Coordinate transportation and linkage to treatment providers when appropriate.

·         Provide education on harm reduction, recovery resources, and available support services.

·         Support clients in developing short-term recovery plans and identifying next steps.

·         Maintain communication with hospital staff, care coordinators, and treatment providers.

·         Document all client interactions and referrals in accordance with program and regulatory requirements.

·         Follow up with clients, when possible, to support continued engagement in care.

·         Adhere to confidentiality standards (HIPAA) and ethical guidelines.

·         Be open to performing additional tasks not mentioned in this job description but that they may be deemed necessary by agency directors and/or position supervisor.

II. Knowledge/Skill Based Functions

- Possesses the ability to communicate with potential clients in a simple manner to make them understand and be aware of the services that New Hope CORPS provides and how they can benefit from them.

III. Additional Job Functions

- Keeps work area clean and organized.

- Attends and actively participates in staff as required

IV. Continuous Improvement of Work Processes

- Increases work pace and prioritizes emergencies or rush assignments.

- Seeks additional assignments upon completion of duties, as time allows.

- Clarifies assignments/responsibilities with administrative staff.

- Remains up to date on all departmental-specific policies/procedures/regulations.

- Performs other roles, as required, to meet the demands of the department.

Principal Customers:

Individuals receiving services in the hospital area and who may be referred to New Hope for services.

Critical Work Relationships:

Area hospital staff, Clients, New Hope’s staff, and Stakeholders