Job Description

Key Responsibilities

• Engage directly with patients and families in community or facility settings (EDs, hospitals, treatment programs, etc.).
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with local clinical teams, social workers, crisis units, navigators, and community partners.
• Conduct proactive daily check-ins with designated partners to identify potential referrals or emerging patient needs.
• Receive and manage referrals through multiple channels (phone line, CarePort, secure email, partner systems, community contacts).
• Facilitate warm handoffs and coach patients through the transition into the next level of care.
• Provide alternative placement recommendations when Acadia is not the appropriate fit, ensuring a patient-first approach.
• Document all referral interactions, outcomes, and barriers in Acadia systems.
• Collaborate closely with Pod leadership to escalate issues, remove barriers, and ensure timely case progression.
• Support transportation coordination and logistics as needed.
• Serve as a trusted peer support presence, leveraging lived experience to motivate, encourage, and guide individuals toward recovery.

Hours & Coverage

• Standard hours: 12pm–8pm, Sunday–Thursday
• Flexibility required; hours may be adjusted based on community demand, referral pattern trends, or partner needs.
• Must be able to travel within assigned region and respond to multiple community sites.

Qualifications

• Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) preferred.
• Lived experience in recovery with strong ability to connect with individuals in crisis or transition.
• Experience in behavioral health, SUD treatment, or crisis response strongly preferred.
• Excellent communication and patient engagement skills.
• Ability to collaborate across healthcare, community, and crisis partners.
• Strong problem-solving, motivational interviewing, and de-escalation skills.
• Familiarity with referral management platforms (e.g., CarePort) is a plus but not required.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and boundaries while serving as a peer support role model.