About the role#
The Peer Recovery Coach Intern supports individuals in active substance use or early recovery. This role operates under a low-threshold framework, meeting participants where they are without demanding abstinence. A primary objective of this internship is to complete 500 hours of supervised work experience and attend mandatory clinical and administrative supervision to qualify for official state peer certification.
What you'll do#
- Conduct mobile and foot-based outreach in community hot-spots, encampments, and public spaces.
- Build trust and rapport with vulnerable individuals using a non-judgmental approach.
- Distribute harm reduction supplies including naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and safer-use kits.
- Guide participants through healthcare and social service systems to facilitate connections to treatment, detox, and housing resources.
- Provide support at emergency shelters during Code Red and Code Blue weather activations, including crisis de-escalation and safety monitoring.
- Maintain accurate documentation of direct and indirect service hours for certification board submission.
What you'll need#
- Personal, self-identified lived experience with substance use and a sustained period of stable recovery (1-2 years preferred).
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
- Completion of foundational Peer Recovery Coach training hours or a willingness to complete them immediately upon hire.
- Strong communication, conflict de-escalation, and boundary-setting skills.
- Knowledge of harm reduction philosophy.
- Ability to walk for extended periods during outdoor outreach and work in varying weather conditions.
Location & details#
- Location: Toms River, New Jersey.
- Modality: On-site.
- Term: Rolling.
- This is an unpaid, full-time internship.
About Bright Harbor Healthcare
Bright Harbor Healthcare provides mental health services to residents of Ocean County. Founded in 1959, the nonprofit organization has grown from a small office into an agency with over 300 staff members. It operates multiple locations to offer counseling, group homes, and specialized school programs for children. The agency develops its services based on local community needs.
How to get in at Bright Harbor Healthcare
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