Peer Support Specialist - Mobile Narcotic Treatment Program

Janus of Santa Cruz is a nonprofit provider of compassionate, client-centered substance use disorder treatment. Our Mobile Narcotic Treatment Program (NTP) brings medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and supportive services directly into the community, reducing barriers to care and supporting recovery for individuals who may not have access to traditional clinic-based services.

This position is specifically for staff assigned to Mobile NTP vans and includes driving responsibilities, handling of onboard restroom waste, and stewardship of valuable company property, including dosing vans.

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 5:30 AM – 2:00 PM

Position Summary

The Peer Support Specialist – Mobile NTP (Van Driver) uses lived experience with substance use recovery to build trust, reduce stigma, and support clients accessing methadone and other MAT services in the field. This role is an essential part of a multidisciplinary mobile care team providing trauma-informed, harm-reduction-focused services throughout Santa Cruz County.

In addition to peer support duties, this role is responsible for safely operating a Mobile NTP van, supporting mobile dosing operations, and following established procedures for sanitation and waste handling.

Key Responsibilities

Client Engagement & Peer Support

• Build rapport with clients using empathy, cultural humility, and shared lived experience.
• Provide non-clinical support during mobile dosing operations.
• Offer peer counseling, encouragement, and practical assistance to promote stability and recovery.
• Support clients in identifying strengths, setting goals, and accessing resources such as medical care, mental health services, housing, and social supports.
• Serve as a recovery role model, demonstrating healthy coping skills, boundary-setting, and a non-judgmental presence.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries while sharing lived experience in a purposeful and ethical way.

Mobile Operations & Driving Duties

• Safely operate the Mobile NTP van while traveling throughout Santa Cruz County (training provided).
• Transport valuable company property, including medications and mobile medical equipment, in accordance with agency policies.
• Conduct pre- and post-shift vehicle safety checks and ensure the van is clean, stocked, and secure.
• Maintain awareness of schedule, routes, and site logistics to ensure timely mobile services.

Van Restroom & Waste Management (Checklist for Van Staff)

Before Shift

• Stock commode liners / toilet bags (wag bags).
• Ensure absorbent gel bags are available.
• Confirm regular trash can is lined and covered.
• Confirm biohazard container (red bag within rigid, labeled bin) is present.
• Ensure PPE is fully stocked (gloves, sanitizer, disinfectant wipes).

During Each Screening

• Place a new liner bag in the toilet (one per client).
• Provide appropriate privacy to the client.
• After use, don gloves before handling waste.
• Seal the liner bag immediately after use.

Disposal

• If no visible blood or contamination: place sealed bag in regular lined trash container.
• If blood or contamination is present: place waste in red biohazard bag.
• Never mix biohazard waste with regular trash.

After Each Use

• Sanitize toilet area and all high-touch surfaces.
• Remove gloves and perform proper hand hygiene.

End of Day

• Remove all trash from the van.
• Secure biohazard waste for vendor pickup.
• Do not leave waste in the van overnight when possible.
• Restock supplies for the next shift.

Required Qualifications

• Personal lived experience with substance use recovery and willingness to share appropriately.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Commitment to harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and meeting clients where they are.
• Ability to maintain healthy boundaries and model positive recovery behaviors.
• Valid California driver’s license.
• Clean three-year driving record.
• Ability to drive throughout Santa Cruz County as part of a mobile team.
• Comfort working in community-based, field settings and around mobile medical units.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Peer Support Specialist or willingness to obtain certification (training may be provided).
• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, justice involvement, or co-occurring disorders.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish.
• Familiarity with MAT programs and Santa Cruz County community resources.

Work Environment

• Field-based role working on and around a mobile medical unit.
• Requires flexibility, adaptability, and comfort in changing community settings.
• Regular interaction with clients who may be in crisis, newly entering treatment, or experiencing instability.