Peer Support - Campus Ambassador

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY The Peer Support Campus Ambassador serves as a welcoming, supportive, and visible presence throughout the assigned clinic, helping create a safe, respectful, and recovery-oriented environment for patients, staff, and visitors. Utilizing lived experience, peer support principles, trauma-informed practices, and recovery-oriented engagement, the Peer Support Campus Ambassador promotes patient engagement, supports de-escalation efforts, and enhances the overall patient experience. Acting as a liaison between patients and clinic resources, the Peer Support Campus Ambassador assists with navigation, engagement, problem resolution, and connection to services while collaborating with clinical, medical, operational, and security staff. This role contributes to Valle del Sol's mission by fostering a therapeutic environment, reducing barriers to care, and supporting positive patient experiences. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Patient Engagement & Peer Support • Serve as a welcoming, supportive, and visible presence throughout the clinic environment. • Build positive rapport with patients through peer support principles, active listening, empathy, and recovery-oriented engagement. • Conduct wellness check-ins and proactively engage patients who may appear isolated, distressed, anxious, frustrated, or disengaged. • Encourage participation in treatment, support services, groups, and recovery-focused activities. • Assist patients with navigating clinic services, appointments, check-in processes, and available resources. Safety, De-escalation & Environment of Care • Promote a calm, respectful, and recovery-oriented atmosphere throughout the campus. • Utilize trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, and non-confrontational communication techniques to support de-escalation efforts. • Observe and report safety concerns, behavioral concerns, environmental issues, or potential risks to appropriate staff. • Collaborate with clinical staff, leadership, and security personnel when escalation, safety, or patient support concerns arise. • Support positive interactions in common areas, waiting rooms, entrances, outdoor spaces, and other high-traffic areas. Customer Service & Resource Connection • Provide exceptional customer service to patients, visitors, and staff. • Assist patients in accessing information, resources, and support services. • Help address patient concerns by connecting individuals with appropriate staff, departments, or community resources. • Support patient engagement initiatives and activities designed to enhance the overall patient experience. Team Collaboration & Professional Responsibilities • Participate in team meetings, training activities, and organizational initiatives as assigned. • Maintain professional boundaries and ethical standards consistent with peer support principles and organizational expectations. • Demonstrate culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and recovery-oriented practices in all interactions. • Maintain awareness of clinic resources, workflows, and available services to effectively support patients and visitors. • Perform other duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS Education Required: • High school diploma or equivalent Preferred: • Coursework or training in behavioral health, social services, or a related field. Experience Required: • Minimum two (2) years of experience in behavioral health, substance use treatment, peer support, healthcare, customer service, crisis intervention, security, outreach, or relevant human services field. • Demonstrated ability to engage individuals experiencing behavioral health challenges and support de-escalation in a professional setting. • Must have lived experience with behavioral health and/or substance use recovery and have successfully navigated services. • Must be in stable recovery and/or wellness for a minimum of one (1) year. • Must be willing and able to appropriately share lived experience to support others in a professional peer role. Preferred: • Experience in community behavioral health, SMI services, crisis services, substance use treatment, or integrated healthcare settings. • Experience working in high-volume patient-facing environments. • Experience working in behavioral health, substance use treatment, or recovery support settings. • Familiarity with Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), including methadone or buprenorphine. Licensure/Certification Required: • State-recognized Peer Support Certification, or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire, in accordance with state and organizational requirements. • This role may function within the scope of a Behavioral Health Paraprofessional (BHPP) or Behavioral Health Technician (BHT), as applicable, and must meet all corresponding competency and regulatory requirements in accordance with AHCCCS guidelines. • Must practice within the scope of applicable credential(s), consistent with organizational policies and populations served. • BLS certification, or ability to obtain within 5 days of start date. • Arizona Level I Fingerprint Clearance Card, or ability to obtain within 5 days of start date. Preferred: • Additional certifications related to recovery support, mental health, or substance use treatment. Other Requirements • Must be at least 18 years of age. • Must be authorized to work in the United States. • Must be able to pass pre- and continued employment screenings successfully. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES • Knowledge of peer support principles, recovery-oriented practices, and trauma-informed care. • Knowledge of serious mental illness, substance use disorders, co-occurring conditions, and community-based recovery resources. • Ability to establish rapport and build trusting relationships with patients from diverse backgrounds and experiences. • Ability to engage individuals utilizing active listening, empathy, encouragement, and recovery-oriented communication techniques. • Ability to remain calm, professional, and solution-focused during high-stress or emotionally charged situations. • Ability to effectively de-escalate conflict utilizing verbal intervention and trauma-informed engagement techniques. • Ability to observe, assess, and communicate safety concerns, behavioral concerns, and environmental risks to appropriate staff. • Ability to maintain professional boundaries and exercise sound judgment in patient interactions. • Ability to provide exceptional customer service while promoting a welcoming and recovery-oriented environment. • Ability to navigate conflict, support positive interactions, and contribute to a safe and respectful campus culture. • Ability to communicate effectively with patients, staff, and community partners. • Ability to maintain accurate documentation and comply with regulatory requirements. • Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment. • Ability to provide culturally responsive and trauma-informed services. WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Work Environment This position may operate in clinical, office, or community settings including clinics, administrative offices, outreach locations, client homes, partner agencies, and community sites. Employees may interact with individuals experiencing behavioral health challenges, emotional distress, or complex social needs. Standard safety precautions and personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required as applicable. Physical Requirements Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Typical requirements may include: • Sitting, standing, walking, bending, and reaching for extended periods • Operating computers, mobile devices, and standard office or clinical equipment • Driving to various Valle del Sol locations or community sites when required • Lifting or moving materials or equipment up to 25 pounds Schedule & Travel Work schedules may vary based on program needs and may include evening or weekend hours. Some positions may require local travel between Valle del Sol sites or community locations. Equipment Employees may operate standard office, clinical, and communication equipment including computers, phones, printers, electronic health record systems, laptops, and mobile devices. COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS Employees must maintain compliance with all Valle del Sol policies and applicable regulatory requirements, which may include: • Licensure, certification, credentialing, and/or privileging requirements applicable to the position. • Required immunizations and occupational health clearances. • Tuberculosis (TB) testing and Hepatitis B screening or declination, when applicable. • Arizona Level I Fingerprint Clearance Card when required by law or program. • Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record when operating a vehicle for company business. • Completion and maintenance of required training, certifications, and continuing education. Failure to obtain or maintain required credentials, clearances, or compliance requirements may impact eligibility for employment or continued assignment in the role. Benefits 401(k) 401(k) matching Medical Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Paid Life Insurance Paid Disability Insurance Paid time off Employee assistance program Employee discount Professional development assistance Referral program Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time. Valle del Sol is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals. If you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a position or to participate in the interview process, please contact us at . About Valle del Sol Join Valle del Sol in our commitment to providing quality, culturally sensitive integrated primary care and behavioral health services to adults, children, and adolescents in need. Valle del Sol offers a diverse work environment, competitive pay and benefits, and the opportunity for training and advancement.