Careers

Organization Summary: GMCC, founded as Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches, is a nonprofit social services agency with a 120-year history collaborating with communities to make a positive impact throughout Minnesota. Our initiatives and programs have included advocacy and education around equity and poverty; mentoring and youth development; support services for older adults, services for people experiencing homelessness, and food security. Today, GMCC is an entrepreneurial organization that partners with the communities most impacted by a challenge or opportunity to co-design and lead a response. We work in the areas of youth, food, and well-being.

Project Summary: GMCC’s recovery program supports prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery associated with substance use disorder (SUD). Our program is curated specifically to support recovery in Minnesota’s East African populations through community-based, culturally specific, and trauma-informed services but is open to people of any background. GMCC’s Friday Drop In Services directly supports those in our community with grocery bags, hot meals, showers, hygiene supplies, clothing, survival supplies, a place to rest from the elements, resource navigation, safe use supplies, and more. The Friday Drop In Services program services mostly unhoused, immigrant, or housed but at risk and living in poverty households/individuals. 

• Type: exempt, full-time (W2)
• Hours: varies, must be flexible and available to work evenings and weekends (40 hrs weekly)
• Reports to: GMCC Director of Wellbeing Programs
• Direct Reports: None
• Start Date: December 1, 2025
• Pay: $50,000-$55,000 annually

Role Description: The Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) will play a critical role in supporting GMCC’s Recovery and Wellbeing programs by providing peer-based recovery support, housing and resource navigation assistance, and outreach.

This position bridges the gap between recovery and stability by offering mentorship, connecting clients to culturally appropriate resources, and supporting individuals as they transition into safe housing and sustainable recovery. The CPRS will also serve as a point person for GMCC’s Friday Services, coordinating outreach and engagement with community members accessing meals, showers, and recovery navigation.

The ideal candidate is someone with lived experience in recovery who has completed (or is in the process of completing) CPRS certification, understands the East African cultural context, and can build trust through empathy, respect, and accountability.

Responsibilities: Direct Peer Recovery Support 40%

• Maintain an active caseload of recovery clients, providing one-on-one peer mentorship, relapse prevention support, and treatment navigation.
• Support clients with referrals to detox, outpatient, and residential treatment programs, and follow up on treatment completion.
• Assist clients with barriers to recovery such as transportation, childcare, food insecurity, or lack of housing.
• Document all contacts, referrals, and services in alignment with GMCC program protocols and funder requirements.
• Co-facilitate culturally specific peer recovery meetings and biweekly family recovery groups for parents and spouses of individuals in recovery.

Friday Services Coordination  25%

• Run Friday Services program alongside other appointed staff specifically managing the attendance, role assignments, and schedules of recovery volunteers and how they plug into services weekly  
• Help clients navigate resources offered by GMCC Friday Services Program
• Give out clothing, food and supplies as needed
• Be available to monitor showers and the physical space
• Escort clients in, out, and within the facility as needed
• Build relationships with clients and make clients feel welcomed and safe
• Assist GMCC staff with program set-up on Thursdays & Fridays
• Support post-program cleanup on Fridays
• Manage other volunteers; ensure they are fulfilling their roles and responsibilities 
• Other Friday Services tasks as assigned

Community Outreach & Collaboration 15%

• Represent GMCC at community events, support groups, and outreach activities to promote awareness of recovery and housing services.
• Collaborate with other internal programs (Youth, Food, and Wellbeing) to support holistic client care.
• Support the implementation of GMCC’s Advisory Council and Recovery Community Organization (RCO) certification process.
• Support the launch and facilitation of family support groups tailored to East African families.

Housing Support 10%

• Work directly with GMCC’s Housing Team to complete housing assessments.
• Assist in maintaining accurate records for housing and recovery clients in coordination with program staff.

Documentation & Reporting 10%

• Maintain timely and accurate records in program databases (e.g., client progress notes, housing assessments, recovery milestones).
• Track client outcomes and participate in team meetings to review progress and identify gaps in service.
• Adhere to confidentiality and HIPAA compliance standards.

Qualifications

• Relevant lived experience with homelessness and substance use disorder
• Ability to lift 50 pounds
• Certification as a Certified Peer Recovery specialist
• Reliable transportation to get to and from the program site
• Ability to relate to and have compassion for people experiencing homelessness or substance use disorder
• Ability to take direction
• Excellent interpersonal skills and interest in building interpersonal connections
• Ability to participate as a team player, working collaboratively to achieve department and organizational goals
• Willingness and ability to keep a flexible schedule
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and track and meet goals 
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks
• Knowledge of basic database, Microsoft Office functions, and G-suite functions
• Ability to think critically to solve problems and thrive on challenges
• Ability to maintain and support confidentiality 
• Experience and competence working with people from backgrounds other than your own
• Committed to equity, social justice, and building intercultural skills

GMCC defines recovery as “maintenance of abstinence from alcohol and/or other drug use by any means. GMCC expects all peer recovery specialists to maintain their recovery as they support others at various stages of recovery. You might be subject to periodic drug testing.

How to Apply

Send resume, cover letter, and three references to hsharif@gmcc.org and myoung@gmcc.org.