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

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.

About the Opportunity

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:

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 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)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
• 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

What You'll Do

• Peer Recovery Support
  
  
  
  • 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 and advocate for policy changes to improve services for women and families.
  • Participate in outreach activities to raise awareness about the program and engage potential clients.
  
  
  
  
• Professional Development
  
  
  
  • Maintain all required certifications and licenses and stay abreast of best practices in the field of peer recovery support and substance use treatment.
  • Participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills.
  • Seek and receive supervision and guidance from the supervisor.
  
  
  
  

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) or equivalent certification (or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire).
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience in the following:
  
  
  
  • Lived experience as a person in recovery from a substance use disorder.
  
  
  
  
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge and understanding of Doula culture, traditions, and language.
• Experience working with women and families, particularly those with young children (ages 0-5).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including active listening, empathy, and the ability to build rapport with diverse populations.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in computer skills, including electronic health records and Microsoft Office suite.
• Empathetic and non-judgmental attitude.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written).
• Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical guidelines.
• Problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to advocate for clients' needs.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to provide support while maintaining professional boundaries.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., social work, psychology, human services).
• Experience working in a substance use treatment setting.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles.
  
• Bilingual/bicultural proficiency (Doula and English).
  
• Experience navigating the child welfare system.
• Knowledge of infant and early childhood development.
• CPR and First Aid certification.

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.