Report on recovery coaches in opioid use disorder treatment yields promising results, policy recommendations

RIZE News

January 22, 2019

RIZE Massachusetts (RIZE) released a report today by the University of Massachusetts Medical School’s Commonwealth Medicine division on recovery coaches, a peer support professional used in treatment for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD). The report was commissioned to study the effectiveness of recovery coaches, define and examine their role in treatment, and understand current payment methods. The paper and policy recommendations will be presented on January 23rd to the Recovery Coach Commission established by Governor Charles D. Baker.
“Recovery coaches are already being used in OUD treatment, but there was little research about their effectiveness,” said Julie Burns, RIZE executive director. “RIZE funded this report to fully understand the role recovery coaches play in helping people through treatment, make recommendations based on these findings, and inform policymakers, providers, and payers.”
The report summarizes the literature on effectiveness of recovery coaches, outlines certification requirements in 48 states and the District of Columbia with a custom search tool, and examines funding sources. A cost estimator tool accompanies the report to show likely expenses and return on investment.
Additionally, ten organizations using recovery coaches and their approaches were studied. The specifics of recovery coach responsibilities and roles varied; they work in health care and community settings, ranging from hospitals and treatment centers to police departments. The research found some common approaches, including supporting different recovery paths determined by individuals in treatment, recovery coaches engaging and communicating their personal and lived experiences, and prioritizing self-care.
“Our research showed that recovery coaches have a remarkable ability to engage individuals with addiction at the most hopeless point in their lives and help them to take the first step toward recovery,” said Katharine London, MS, Principal of Health Law & Policy at Commonwealth Medicine. “That discovery, and the rest of our findings, led to the development of policy recommendations the Commonwealth can implement to support the essential work of recovery coaches in OUD care.”
Policy recommendations for recovery coach programs include:
  • Prioritizing lived-experience
  • Incorporating self-care
  • Supporting workforce development, including training, certification, and career advancement
  • Providing a sustainable funding mechanism
  • Establishing a state-sponsored certification process
  • Establishing data collection tools and supporting evaluation of effectiveness
To stabilize payment methodologies, the researchers recommend insurers allow for flexible funding mechanisms to cover different services. Most programs are funded by grants or donations, with some support coming from public and private insurers or individuals that self-pay. Lack of consistent funding affects a program’s ability to offer recovery coach services.
                                                                                                                                                                Recovery coaches serve as a resource for individuals with substance use disorder by navigating treatment and recovery, providing encouragement, and building connections to community and services. With the recommendations from this report, these interventions could be further measured and maximized for effectiveness, engaging more people with OUD in treatment and recovery.
                                                                                                                                                              “Recovery coaches are on the front-line delivering lifesaving services to people seeking or in recovery from substance use disorders.  In order to do their work effectively, they deserve a system that supports certification, adequate payment methods, supervision and support, and the required trainings to meet quality standards” said Haner Hernandez, PhD, CPS, CADCII, LADCI.
                                                                                                                                                                        Link to the recovery coach report, certification and cost estimate tools.

Position Summary

The Massachusetts Harm Reduction Workforce Coalition (MAHRWC), established in 2024, is a statewide organization designed to strengthen, connect, and sustain the harm reduction workforce across Massachusetts through community, training, mutual support, and collective action.

The first of its kind in Massachusetts, MAHRWC continues to grow its network of harm reduction workers, advocates, and partners committed to saving lives and advancing justice across the Commonwealth.

The project coordinator will be fully dedicated to MAHRWC, providing day-to-day support for coalition operations, communications, and member engagement. This role helps ensure coalition activities run smoothly by:

  • Managing administrative systems and internal coordination.
  • Coordinating meetings, events, agendas, and follow-up materials.
  • Supporting data tracking, reporting, and documentation.
  • Serving as a key point of contact for members, partners, and other stakeholders.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, committed to public health and harm reduction principles, and comfortable working with diverse stakeholders, including community-based organizations, healthcare providers, policymakers, and people with lived and living experience.

 

Key Responsibilities

1. Administrative & Operational Support

  • Manage coalition calendars, schedules, and meeting logistics.
  • Coordinate virtual and in-person meetings, including agenda preparation and note-taking. This includes the coalition advisory board's regular bimonthly meetings.
  • Maintain shared drives, databases, and internal documentation systems (Google Suite, Zoom, Constant Contact).
  • Support the executive director with activities related to contract and grant reporting.
  • Provide logistical support for trainings, conferences, and coalition events.

2. Communications & Member Engagement

  • Serve as the first point of contact for coalition inquiries.
  • Maintain membership lists and distribution groups.
  • Draft and distribute newsletters, meeting summaries, and updates.
  • Support social media and website updates (if applicable) alongside other staff and consultants.
  • Assist in preparing reports, briefs, and presentations.

3. Data & Reporting Support

  • Track coalition activities, deliverables, and metrics.
  • Assist with grant reporting and compliance documentation.
  • Compile and organize workforce data and partner updates.

4. Event & Training Coordination

  • Coordinate registration and materials for workforce training along with the training coordinator.
  • Support the training coordinator with speaker communication and event logistics.
  • Gather participant feedback and evaluation data.

 

Qualifications

Required

  • Strong organizational and time management skills
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and virtual meeting platforms
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred

  • Experience in public health, behavioral health, or harm reduction
  • Familiarity with workforce development initiatives
  • Experience supporting coalitions or multi-partner collaborations
  • Experience working with communities disproportionately impacted by substance use and overdose

Core Competencies

  • Commitment to harm reduction philosophy and health equity
  • Cultural humility and trauma-informed approach
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
  • Strong interpersonal skills and collaborative mindset
  • High level of discretion and professionalism

 

Work Environment

RIZE Massachusetts Foundation (RIZE), launched in 2017, is the only public-private partnership dedicated to ending the overdose crisis. Guided by those with lived experience and unafraid of new ideas, RIZE is building networks, creating programming, and supporting community partners using novel approaches to preventing overdose and increasing access to treatment. Since its inception, RIZE has awarded over $30 million to more than 275 organizations aligned with its mission.

As MAHRWC’s fiscal partner, RIZE provides financial and administrative support while respecting the group's autonomy and self-determination and supports the coalition’s efforts to dismantle systemic inequities and help build a future where compassion, dignity, and support replace stigma and neglect.

This position reports to RIZE’s chief program officer and works closely with the chief executive officer. It is a full-time, hybrid role with the expectation of two days in the office. RIZE is in downtown Boston, and occasional travel, primarily in-state, will be required for meetings and events as needed. This role may require evening and occasional weekend work.

We are an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, or other status protected under the law.

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