Peer Navigator-East of the River

Peer Navigator

Location: East of the River Health Center – Washington, DC
Organization: Unity Health Care
Employment Type: Full-Time

About Unity Health Care

Unity Health Care is the largest network of community health centers in Washington, D.C., dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive, and patient-centered healthcare services to underserved communities throughout the District. Through integrated medical, behavioral health, and supportive services, Unity Health Care is committed to improving health outcomes, advancing health equity, and reducing barriers to care.

Unity's Substance Use Services team provides trauma-informed, recovery-oriented care to individuals affected by substance use disorders. We believe that lived experience is a powerful tool for engagement, recovery, and healing, and we value peer support as a critical component of comprehensive healthcare.

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Senior Director of Behavioral Health, the Peer Navigator serves as an integral member of Unity Health Care’s Substance Use Services team. Utilizing personal lived experience with addiction and recovery, the Peer Navigator builds therapeutic relationships with patients experiencing substance use disorders and supports them throughout their recovery journey.

This role uses a strengths-based, patient-centered approach to increase engagement in treatment, enhance motivation for change, reduce barriers to care, and connect patients with community resources that support long-term recovery and wellness. Services are primarily provided within Unity Health Care clinic settings, with community outreach conducted as needed for high-risk patients and those with ongoing social service needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify patients at risk for substance use disorders through validated screening tools
• Use non-judgmental, recovery-oriented communication to explore substance use history, treatment experiences, and recovery goals
• Assess readiness for change and utilize motivational interviewing techniques to support behavior change and engagement in care
• Assist patients in establishing personal recovery, wellness, and health-related goals
• Conduct outreach to engage patients who have been referred or have fallen out of treatment
• Provide education on overdose prevention, harm reduction strategies, and naloxone use
• Ensure patients and family/support systems have access to naloxone and understand how to administer it
• Collaborate with patients, case managers, and interdisciplinary care teams to connect individuals with community resources and support services
• Provide recovery support materials and education to family members when appropriate
• Develop and maintain relationships with community organizations, treatment providers, support groups, and social service agencies
• Participate in multidisciplinary care meetings, quality improvement initiatives, and community outreach efforts
• Complete documentation, reports, and required data collection accurately and in a timely manner
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development activities to maintain and enhance peer support skills

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Minimum of two (2) years of demonstrated personal recovery and sustained abstinence from alcohol and/or drug use required
• Strong commitment to recovery-oriented, patient-centered care
• Ability to effectively engage individuals with substance use disorders and support behavior change
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, listening, and relationship-building skills
• Basic computer proficiency required
• Ability to work with individuals from diverse social, cultural, and economic backgrounds
• Demonstrated cultural competence and sensitivity to vulnerable populations
• Ability to manage complex emotional situations while maintaining professionalism and resilience
• Willingness to learn, grow professionally, and acquire new skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification as a Peer Specialist in Washington, DC, Maryland, or Virginia preferred but not required
• Experience working in healthcare, behavioral health, substance use treatment, or community-based settings preferred
• Familiarity with harm reduction, recovery support services, and community resource navigation preferred

Why Join Unity?

• Be part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to improving health equity and serving underserved communities throughout Washington, DC
• Use your lived experience to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals recovering from substance use disorders
• Work within a collaborative, multidisciplinary healthcare environment committed to whole-person care
• Receive ongoing training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities
• Build strong partnerships with community organizations and recovery support networks
• Participate in innovative substance use treatment and harm reduction initiatives
• Enjoy competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package while supporting recovery, wellness, and long-term patient success