This publication of the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program (COSSUP) is a technical assistance (TA) package providing information, resources, and tools to effectively recruit, integrate, and support newly hired peer specialists into Peer recovery support services (PRSS) teams.
This publication by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program (COSSUP) provides guidance for recruiting, hiring, and onboarding peer specialists. Peer specialists provide valuable support and services to individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs) across a range of organizations. Peer recovery support services (PRSS) program coordinators may face challenges related to recruiting, hiring, and onboarding peer specialists. This technical assistance (TA) package provides information, resources, and tools to effectively recruit, integrate, and support newly hired peer specialists into PRSS teams. Thoughtfully applying the resources, tools, and strategies discussed in this TA package when recruiting, hiring, and onboarding new peer specialists will help organizations prevent common pitfalls and more quickly resolve workplace challenges. Creating a warm and welcoming environment for new peer specialists while keeping existing staff members informed and educated about the value of PRSS will foster a cohesive team environment, leading to increased job satisfaction for everyone. Readers are encouraged to revisit these tools and resources often and to adapt them as necessary throughout the hiring and onboarding process. The publication includes a list of possible interview questions, illustrative case examples, sample job descriptions, checklist for the first 90 days, and a list of links to additional resources, as well as a note on retaining peer specialists.