Position Overview

The Alumni & Life Skills Coordinator supports the mission of The Healing Place of New Hanover County by building an engaged, lasting alumni community, cultivating a committed volunteer base, and leading the life skills programming that prepares clients for sustained recovery and independent living. This role bridges the gap between treatment and long-term recovery, ensuring every client leaves with practical skills, a dependable support network, and an ongoing connection to the recovery community. The ideal candidate is an energetic facilitator and organizer, grounded in the peer-driven social model of recovery, and passionate about helping individuals build the recovery capital they need to thrive. This position reports to the Director of Development but is a program-focused role, functionally separate from fundraising.

Key Responsibilities

Alumni Program Development & Engagement

• Design, implement, and grow a structured alumni program that keeps graduates actively connected to The Healing Place community after program completion.
• Plan and facilitate regular alumni meetings, recovery milestone celebrations, service opportunities, and sober social and community events.
• Maintain an accurate alumni database and conduct scheduled post-discharge follow-up (e.g., at 30, 90, 180, and 365 days) with clients who have provided written consent.
• Recruit, train, and support alumni volunteers to serve as mentors, speakers, and recovery ambassadors for current clients.
• Provide alumni success stories, with appropriate written authorization, for organizational communications; this role does not solicit donations from alumni, clients, or families.
• Maintain a clear separation between alumni recovery support and fundraising, referring any alumni interest in giving to the Development team.

Life Skills Curriculum & Instruction

• Coordinate, schedule, and deliver the life skills curriculum, including budgeting and financial literacy, employment readiness, housing navigation, nutrition and wellness, time management, communication, healthy relationships, and accessing community resources.
• Recruit, orient, and coordinate volunteer and community partner instructors, ensuring every session is consistent in quality, delivered on schedule, and aligned with program goals.
• Review and update the curriculum at least annually using participant feedback, outcome data, and recognized evidence-informed practices.
• Deliver instruction that is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and adapted to a range of learning styles and literacy levels.

Volunteer Engagement & Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all volunteers, creating a welcoming, well-organized experience that keeps volunteers motivated and returning.
• Use the organization's electronic volunteer management system to schedule volunteers, monitor onboarding progress, and keep records current, ensuring no volunteer begins service until required screening and paperwork are complete.
• Match volunteers to meaningful roles based on their skills, interests, and availability, including life skills instruction, mentoring, events, and facility support.
• Provide orientation on the organization's mission, the social model of recovery, boundaries, and confidentiality expectations under HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2.
• Maintain regular communication with volunteers through updates, check-ins, and feedback, and promptly address concerns or scheduling gaps.
• Plan and lead volunteer recognition efforts, including appreciation events, milestone acknowledgments, and highlights of volunteer impact.
• Track volunteer hours, retention, and engagement, and report monthly on volunteer activity and program impact.

Recovery Transition & Continuing Support

• Collaborate with program managers and clinical staff on discharge and transition planning, including connections to recovery housing, outpatient services, employment, and community supports.
• Link clients to mutual-aid groups, recovery community organizations, and other recovery capital resources before discharge so no one leaves without a plan for support.
• Serve as a visible recovery role model, reinforcing the values and practices of the peer-driven social model.

Documentation, Outcomes & Quality

• Document attendance, participation, and services accurately and on time in accordance with organizational policy, applicable payer requirements, and CARF standards.
• Track and report alumni engagement and life skills outcomes monthly, including participation, completion, post-discharge connection, and housing and employment status where available.
• Protect client privacy in full compliance with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, including obtaining valid consent before any alumni outreach or disclosure of client information.
• Participate in quality improvement activities, internal audits, and accreditation readiness efforts.

Collaboration & Mission Support

• Work closely with the Men's and Women's Program Managers, monitor staff, and clinical team to align life skills programming with program schedules and client needs.
• Represent The Healing Place of New Hanover County at recovery events, community gatherings, and partner meetings as needed.
• Support other administrative or mission-driven tasks as assigned by the Director of Development.

Qualifications

• Lived experience in recovery from a substance use disorder, with a minimum of two years of continuous recovery, strongly preferred.
• North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist (NCCPSS) credential preferred, or willingness to obtain within six months of hire.
• Minimum of two years of experience in group facilitation, teaching, peer support, case management, or volunteer management; behavioral health or substance use treatment experience preferred.
• High school diploma or GED required; associate or bachelor's degree in human services, education, social work, or a related field preferred.
• Strong facilitation, public speaking, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage groups with respect, warmth, and energy.
• High attention to detail and strong organizational abilities, with a record of meeting documentation and reporting deadlines.
• Working knowledge of HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, or ability to complete required training upon hire.
• Demonstrated ability to recruit, motivate, and retain volunteers, with experience using electronic volunteer management platforms preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with databases or tracking systems is a plus.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Passion for the mission and values of The Healing Place of New Hanover County.

Work Environment

• Primarily on-site in a residential recovery setting, with regular interaction with clients and staff.
• Occasional evening or weekend hours required for alumni events, volunteer activities, life skills sessions, and recovery celebrations.
• Ability to lift up to 20–25 pounds for event setup is helpful.
• Local travel may be required for community partner meetings and events.

The Healing Place of New Hanover County is an equal opportunity employer. We value lived experience and welcome applicants of all backgrounds, including individuals in recovery. A criminal history is not an automatic disqualifier; employment is contingent on a background check and drug screen in accordance with organizational policy.