Peer Support Specialist, Implementation Science, part-time, temp

Department:

85037 Wake Forest University Health Sciences - Academic Public Health Sciences: Implementation Science

Status:

Part time

Benefits Eligible:

Yes

Hours Per Week:

20

Schedule Details/Additional Information:

20 hours/week, hybrid, not benefits eligible

Pay Range

$20.80 - $31.20

Job Summary

This position will support the Supporting Health and Empowerment through Contingency Management and Affect Regulation for Equity and Success (SHE CARES) research study, supported by the National Institutes of Health the the National Institute on Drug Abuse. SHE CARES is a community-designated intervention created for women who inject drugs, focused on reducing HIB risk and supporting emotional and physical well-being using Contingency Management and Positive Affect approaches.

We're looking for someone who brings compassion, lives experience, and a genuine desire to walk alongside women navigating substance use, recovery, and HIV prevention. As a Peer Support Specialist with SHE CARES, you’ll support female participants through a 12‑week, virtual/remote program designed to promote well‑being, connection, and empowerment. You do not need to have clinical training. This role does not provide clinical therapy or medical advice but delivers structured peer-based intervention content under supervision. What matters most is your ability to meet people where they are, offer non‑judgmental support, and use your own experiences to help others feel understood and motivated.

This is a temporary, up to 20 hours/week; flexible scheduling position. Up to one year, with possibility of extension. Location: Winston-Salem or Charlotte, NC

Compensation

$25/hour

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or GED equivalent

Active certification as a North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist at the time of hire

Personal lived experience with substance use, recovery, and related social/structural challenges, as well as well-established in own recovery (at least 18 months)

Ability to engage sensitively with women who use drugs, women with trauma histories, and those facing challenges like stigma, justice system involvement, or unstable housing

Ability to work independently and as part of a remote team

Ability to use a smartphone and communicate via text, phone, and app-based tools

Dependability, compassion, and good communication skills

Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends

Willingness to complete additional training on study procedures, intervention content, formal mindfulness course and/or counseling techniques

Preferred Qualifications

Experience providing peer support, harm reduction services, or recovery coaching

Familiarity with HIV prevention or PrEP (oral or injectable)

Experience supporting women who inject drugs or people participating in virtual/mobile health programs

Knowledge of North Carolina community resources

Additional Requirements

Flexible and able to work some hours on weekends

Access to reliable internet and a private space to conduct confidential virtual sessions

Have reliable transportation

Ability to pass a background check

Ability to pass a required health screening for hire

Essential Functions

Support Participants

Provide peer-based support using shared lived experience to build trust, reduce stigma, and enhance participant engagement with SHE CARES intervention activities

Deliver a 5-session positive affect intervention one-on-one to study participants

Conduct virtual or phone-based check-ins to support participant adherence to brief weekly activities, positive affect prompts, and contingency management schedules

Assist participants in navigating the study smartphone mobile app and understanding scheduled tasks

Assist participants in navigating the intervention workbook and virtual platforms

Monitor participant engagement and communicate concerns or potential barriers to study staff

Promote empowerment, self-efficacy, harm reduction, and emotional well-being using strength-based approaches

Attend weekly supervision sessions to review previous sessions, receive support, and address concerns

Stay Connected

Document participant contacts, emergent needs, and concerns using standardized study forms and platforms

Maintain timely and accurate records according to study protocols and con