EBCI/CIHA WELLNESS CONNECTOR SUPPORT SPECIALIST
JOB DESCRIPTION
Purpose/Role
The Wellness Connection Peer Support Specialist (PSS) will serve as a bridge to the community services that include a wide range of recovery and wellness supports. This position is a partnership with the Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA), in collaboration with Sunrise Community for Recovery and Wellness.
The Wellness Connection PSS will work closely with Sunrise’s Tohi Edasdi Recovery Community Center staff, while also engaging with community partners such as the EBCI Justice System, Tribal programs, local nonprofits, county health departments, regional treatment providers, harm reduction organizations, housing and transitional living programs, and other community-based agencies across Western North Carolina and the state. Grounded in EBCI culture and recovery values, the PSS will use lived experience to provide peer support, resource navigation, and transportation when needed. This role is focused on connecting people to wellness—linking individuals with treatment options (transitional, inpatient, outpatient, and community-based), recovery resources, and supportive services to help them thrive.
Responsibilities/Tasks
Participant Engagement & Support
- Build supportive, trust-based relationships with participants, using lived experience to demonstrate recovery is possible.
- Provide one-on-one peer support, motivational interviewing, and recovery coaching in community and clinical settings.
- Support individuals in navigating treatment options (inpatient, outpatient, transitional, harm reduction, and wellness-based programs).
- Provide transportation to recovery, treatment, and wellness-related appointments or community resources when appropriate.
- Partner with CIHA staff to ensure continuity of care, while collaborating with community partners to strengthen wellness pathways.
- Follow up with referrals within 1 business day (or as soon as possible) to strengthen engagement.
- Assist participants in developing Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP) or other person-centered wellness plans.
- Provide culturally informed peer support, ensuring EBCI values remain central in all work.
- Document participant interactions in the Sunrise database (REX); gather contact info and note barriers to accessing care.
- Advocate for participants, support problem-solving skills, and encourage involvement of family/caregivers when requested.
Community & Collaboration
- Work closely with Sunrise’s Tohi Edasdi Recovery Community Center staff to coordinate services and outreach.
- Strengthen partnerships and communication channels with CIHA (contractual partner).
- Build collaborative relationships with the EBCI Justice System, Tribal programs, and nonprofits as community partners.
- Participate in community-based wellness and recovery events, outreach efforts, and peer-led groups.
- Actively collaborate with Sunrise and CIHA teams through meetings and cross-agency planning.
- Competencies/Knowledge/Qualities
- Demonstrated commitment to Sunrise’s & CIHA’s mission, vision, and values.
- Professional and personal style aligned with peer support philosophy and teamwork culture.
- Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) credential and/or ability & willingness to obtain within 6 months. Must meet state requirements for certification.
- A minimum of 2 years of demonstrated personal recovery (mental health and/or substance use).
- One year of experience in behavioral health, substance use, or related peer support field preferred.
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Ability to maintain healthy personal & professional boundaries and self-care.
- Familiarity with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) community, culture, and resources (strongly preferred).
- Experience with or knowledge of the criminal justice system (personally or professionally).
- Experience with WRAP or other recovery planning models preferred.
- Direct experience in navigation of healthcare, legal, and behavioral health systems.
Requirements
- Maintain Peer Support certification with NC and all required CEU hours.
- Follow all the Peer Support Specialist Code of Ethics.
- Applicants must adhere to all SOR grant requirements.
- Successfully onboard with CIHA as a contractor (i.e. pass pre-employment drug screen)
- Have a thorough understanding of HIPAA and 42 CFR privacy regulations.
- Must hold a valid NC driver’s license and meet Sunrise’s transportation/insurance requirements.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to
perform essential functions.
Reports to
Qualla Program Coordinator
CIHA Onsite Supervisor
Category: Non-Exempt
Supervisory Responsibility: None.
Salary: $ 23.50 Hourly
Benefits: Sunrise Community for Recovery and Wellness offers all full-time employees
- Living Wage
- Direct Deposit
- Equipment and stipends are provided depending on the program
- Paid Mileage where it is required
- PTO (Paid Time Off) increases annually, 96 hours first year and 30-day sabbatical after 5 years
- 40 Wellness hours annually (prorated at time of hire)
- 30 Day Sabbatical after 5 years of employment
- NC Delta Dental & Vision Insurance
- PCP (Primary Care Physician) Lantern Health membership
- 14 Paid Holidays
- Up to 4 hours for appointments per month
- Up to 12 counseling sessions annually with All Souls Counseling
LOCATION
Qualla Boundary
TO APPLY:
Please send resume and references to acarlisle@sunriseinasheville.org