Lead Peer Supporter - Akron, Ohio - 1099 Contractor

Only candidates located in Akron, OH will be considered.

NAVITA HEALTH

Navita Health is a next-generation behavioral health company committed to transforming the way people experience recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health challenges. Our name, meaning “new life,” is exactly what we aim to create for every person we serve.

Through compassionate care, real-time access, and innovative technology, we deliver a personalized, holistic, and coordinated support system. Whether it's through assessments, peer-led services, case management, outpatient care, or digital tools, Navita Health offers an integrated platform that simplifies the path to healing and empowers individuals to rebuild their lives with confidence.

We don’t just treat symptoms—we restore hope, build sustainable resilience, and help people embrace a healthier future.

POSITION SUMMARY  
Navita Health Peer Supporters walk side by side with individuals seeking recovery from substance use  disorders and exist to be an active member of the recovery services team at Navita Health and provide peer support services to clients in the community.  

A Navita Health Peer Supporter brings the lived experience of recovery, combined with training and  supervision, to assist others in initiating and maintaining recovery, helping to enhance the quality of personal and family life in long-term recovery (White, 2009). Navita Health Peer Supporter focuses on long-term recovery and is rooted in a culture of hope, health, and wellness. The  unique relationship between the peer and the individual in or seeking recovery is  grounded in trust, and focused on providing the individual with tools, resources, and support to  achieve long-term recovery. 

The Lead Peer Supporter position plays an active role to eductate our peer team in the field, at our partner programs, and to support with engaging new clients for services when they want them. They are an experienced Peer Supporter that knows the Navita Health culture and processes to support others with their recovery journey.

Required Education, Experience & Other Qualifications:

• Minimum of 1 year of work experience as a SUD/MH Certified Peer with Navita Health. 
• CDCA credential (OH) or > 500 hours of providing services with Navita Health is required.
• High school diploma or general education degree (GED). Any college is a bonus!
• Commitment to attend and Quality Assurance Supervision groups and/or individual supervision sessions per state requirements (must remain in good standing)..
• Minimum of 18 years of age or older, as required by state governing bodies.
• Current valid driver’s license, active auto insurance and reliable transportation.
• Self-declaration of criminal history.
• Self-declaration of recovery for 2 years or longer. 
• Clear results (no findings) on an OIG-GSA-LEIE/Medicaid background verification as part of contracting with a CMS-compliant organization.
• Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in ethics, leadership or business development, preferred.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supports Peer Supporters with client management and on-the-spot guidance of best practice. Although this position has no supervisory responsibilities, Lead Peers are responsible for training new Peers at their designated service location and escalating issues to Navita Health leadership when necessary.
• Manages and adjusts caseloads for Peer Supporters to meet client needs and workforce efficiency.

• Onboards and introduces new clients to Navita Health Peer Services, facilitating long-term relationships.
• Reports on service quality and makes improvement recommendations to Navita Health leadership.
• Provides non-clinical support to Peer Supporters as needed. Offers diverse recovery support and builds effective relationships with clients.
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor or management.
• Provide a variety of recovery support and demonstrates effective relationship building skills, including emotional support (empathy and concern), informational support (connections to information and referrals to community resources that support health and wellness), instrumental support (concrete supports such as housing or employment) and affiliate support (connections to recovery community supports, activities, sponsored meetings, and events).

Skills and Abilities Include:

• Communicate effectively with care and respect with clients, members, and healthcare professionals, utilizing motivational interviewing and active listening. 
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to organizational policies. 
• Collaborate positively in team efforts. Work with diverse clients and healthcare personnel.
• Demonstrate flexibility and autonomous decision-making.
• Facilitate recovery using standardized mental health processes.
• Teach problem-solving strategies to support self-directed recovery.
• Address mental illness symptoms using positive interventions and accessing services.
• Teach independent living skills and utilize community resources.
• Manage time effectively and prioritize tasks.
• Understand relevant governmental regulations.

Work Schedule: 1099 Contractors should aim to provide a minimum of 24 hours of peer service delivery  appointments per week and 16 hours or more guiding partner program peer teams as determined by Navita Health.

Compliance Training (Upon hire): The contractor will be provided with and required to complete Compliance Training from hire throughout the duration of time with Navita Health. The contractor should only access and use the minimum necessary protected health information in order to perform assigned duties. The company will ensure that EHR, telehealth and other tools and resources are HIPAA compliant.  The company makes reasonable efforts to limit access to and use of protected health information (PHI) to the minimum necessary performance of assigned duties as outlined in job descriptions. To meet compliance obligations and receive appropriate reimbursement for services provided, the company and contractor must ensure that documentation meets these minimum compliance standards. Failure to do so can result in discipline, up to and including termination.

Physical Demands: This job may require various physical activities such as sitting, standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 15 pounds. The contractor must also use hands for tasks and have close vision. Noise level in the work environment can be moderate. Reasonable accommodations can be made for individuals with disabilities. Duties may vary and additional tasks may be assigned by the supervisor.

Equal Employment Opportunity: We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome our employee’s differences, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or Veteran status. Difference makes us better. Join us!

Compensation: $23/hr. + weekly stipend (Must be compliant with Navita Health policies & role requirements.)