Peer Recovery Coach: Guiding Lives Toward Hope and Healing

The Appalachian Regional Healthcare system is looking for individuals who bring more than qualifications to their role—they’re seeking people who embody empathy, resilience, and a true commitment to fostering recovery. The Peer Recovery Coach position isn’t just a job; it’s a calling to make a tangible difference in the lives of those grappling with addiction. If you’ve been through the journey of recovery yourself and are ready to pay it forward, this opportunity could be the perfect fit.

The Role in a Nutshell

At its core, the Peer Recovery Coach’s mission is to guide patients toward reclaiming their lives from the grips of substance use. This role focuses on non-clinical interventions, working closely with patients in the Emergency Department—or designated areas—to help them transition from moments of crisis to pathways of hope. Whether it’s through motivational conversations, linking patients to essential treatment services, or offering follow-up support, this position plays a vital part in a person’s recovery journey.

From the first interaction to long-term support, your impact extends far beyond hospital walls. By connecting patients with community resources, acting as a role model for recovery, and providing support to family members, you’ll become a cornerstone of their recovery process.

Why This Role Matters

Substance use disorders don’t just affect individuals—they ripple through families, communities, and healthcare systems. The Peer Recovery Coach bridges the gap between immediate care and sustainable recovery. This work doesn’t end with hospital discharge. Instead, it’s about creating a continuum of care, ensuring patients have the tools, resources, and encouragement they need to succeed.

Think about it: in the vulnerable moments after an overdose or a health scare related to substance use, people often face a mix of fear, shame, and uncertainty. Your role is to meet them where they are—not with judgment, but with understanding. Through motivational interviewing and compassionate dialogue, you’ll help them find hope and strength when it might feel out of reach.

What You Bring to the Table

The qualifications for this role are unique because they emphasize lived experience alongside practical skills. To succeed in this position, you’ll need:

• A High School Diploma or GED: Your educational background provides the foundation, but this role recognizes the value of experiential learning too.
• A Personal Recovery Journey: Having at least three years of demonstrated recovery from substance use is essential. This shared experience allows you to connect with patients on a deeply personal level.
• Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Whether you’re talking to a patient, collaborating with emergency department staff, or liaising with community resources, your ability to connect with people from all walks of life is key.
• Basic Computer Proficiency: You’ll use digital tools for documentation and communication, so comfort with basic software is a must.
• Adaptability and Patience: Recovery is rarely a straight line, and supporting others through it requires flexibility, tact, and a steady demeanor.

Your Day-to-Day Impact

No two days are the same in this role. Here’s a glimpse of what you might do:

• Engage Patients: When someone screens positive for substance use in the Emergency Department, you’ll step in to provide a listening ear and a hopeful perspective. Through brief interventions, you’ll help them explore their readiness to change and lay the groundwork for recovery.
• Build Bridges to Community Resources: You’ll work with social workers, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to identify services that can support the patient’s recovery. Whether it’s setting up appointments, arranging transportation, or walking someone through their next steps, you’re the link between the hospital and the outside world.
• Support Families: Addiction doesn’t occur in isolation, and families often need guidance and support too. By providing them with recovery resources and helping them navigate the system, you’ll extend your impact to the patient’s broader support network.
• Follow Up: Your role doesn’t end when the patient leaves the hospital. You’ll stay connected through phone calls, check-ins, and ongoing support to ensure they stay on track. When setbacks occur, you’ll be there to help them refocus on their goals.

Training and Growth Opportunities

One of the most exciting aspects of this position is the chance to grow alongside your patients. Appalachian Regional Healthcare offers on-the-job training to help you build the skills you need. From motivational interviewing techniques to understanding addiction treatment pathways, you’ll continually expand your expertise.

You’ll also participate in regular staff meetings and trainings, keeping you connected to a supportive team of professionals. This environment ensures you’re never working alone and always have access to resources and insights that can improve your impact.

The Bigger Picture

Appalachian Regional Healthcare operates at the intersection of healthcare and community well-being. With addiction medicine as a growing focus, this organization recognizes the critical role Peer Recovery Coaches play in addressing the opioid crisis and other substance use epidemics. By providing non-clinical, peer-led support, this role represents a shift toward holistic, patient-centered care.

As a Peer Recovery Coach, you’re not just working for a hospital—you’re part of a broader movement to destigmatize addiction, promote recovery, and transform lives.

A Look at the Workplace

Located at 260 Hospital Drive in South Williamson, KY, Appalachian Regional Healthcare is more than just a workplace; it’s a community hub. With a 3.5-star rating, the organization is committed to continuous improvement, both for its staff and its patients. Employees highlight the sense of purpose and collaboration that comes with working here.

As a full-time position, you’ll be part of a team that values your contributions and understands the importance of work-life balance. The benefits include on-the-job training, so you’ll never feel unprepared, even when facing challenging situations.

The Application Process

Applying for this position is straightforward but does require creating an Indeed account to continue to the company website. This step ensures your skills align with the role and helps you present your qualifications effectively. From there, you’ll embark on a journey toward making a real difference.

Is This Role Right for You?

If you’ve experienced the transformative power of recovery in your own life and are ready to share that with others, this position could be the next step in your journey. It’s a role that calls for resilience, compassion, and a deep belief in the possibility of change.

Working as a Peer Recovery Coach is more than a job—it’s a chance to leave a lasting legacy of hope and healing. Every patient you support, every family you guide, and every connection you foster contributes to a healthier, stronger community. And it all starts with one conversation. Are you ready to make it happen?