Samantha Carter
Portland,USA
Summary
Compassionate and results-driven peer recovery specialist and operations leader with 3+ years of direct experience in harm reduction, substance use disorder recovery, and social services. Proven ability to de-escalate crisis situations, build trusting relationships with vulnerable populations, and drive operational excellence in high-stakes environments. Skilled at combining trauma-informed care with strong leadership and problem-solving to maximize client outcomes and team performance. Recent certifications in harm reduction and public health underscore commitment to evidence-based practice.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Harm Reduction Specialist, Manager, Recovery Coach
Commonspace
Portland, ME
11.2024 - Current
- Delivered specialized peer recovery support and crisis intervention to 15–20 clients daily in high-acuity recovery residence and emergency services environment.
- Ran harm reduction program.
- Assisted in calming tense situations using effective de-escalation methods. Provided immediate assistance to clients experiencing distress.
- Facilitated mentorship and training for new recovery and harm reduction specialists on best practices, company protocols, and trauma-informed peer support approaches.
- Facilitated transportation logistics for medical appointments and recovery community events.
- Engaged in continuous professional development and education focused on substance use disorders, mental health, and harm reduction.
Emergency Warming Shelter Staff
Commonspace
Portland, ME
12.2024 - 04.2025
- Provided emotional support and active listening to shelter residents experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, or crisis situations
- Engaged in crisis intervention to de-escalate volatile situations and provide comfort to distressed individuals
- Assisted with intake, case management, discharge planning, and community referrals
- Collaborated with other social service agencies to coordinate comprehensive support and resources for shelter residents
- Established positive relationships with individuals by engaging in conversations about their goals, aspirations, and immediate needs
House Manager, Recovery Coach, Community Integrated Practice Specialist (CIPS)
Commonspace
Portland, ME
08.2022 - 11.2024
- Managed daily operations of a 38-bed sober living recovery residence serving individuals in early stages of recovery from substance use disorder
- Oversaw household staff of 4–6 employees; delegated tasks, assessed workloads, set priorities and performance goals, and supervised project completion
- Managed administrative duties including staff payroll, benefits, scheduling, and personnel-related record-keeping
- Developed and implemented recovery-focused programming designed to support personal growth, skill-building, and self-esteem enhancement
- Conducted initial assessments of applicants; coordinated intake and placement to ensure smooth transitions into the program
- Established and enforced house rules, regulations, and security protocols to maintain safety, order, and adherence to the program's mission
- Taught life skills including meal preparation, household maintenance, personal hygiene, and budgeting to residents.
- Coordinated with treatment team members and clinical staff on treatment planning goals and individualized service approaches.
- Participated in compliance activities and training to maintain operational standards and best practices
Customer Service Representative
Amatos
Portland & Kittery, ME
09.2022 - 01.2024
- Processed customer orders and managed point-of-sale transactions with efficiency and accuracy.
- Developed positive customer relationships through friendly, professional interactions
- Maintained clean, organized workspace and collaborated with team members to ensure positive customer experience
- Recognized for providing exceptional customer service in a fast-paced retail environment
Education
Certificate - Hiv And Hcv Rapid Testing And Counseling
Cdc- EsBee Bulhman
Portland, ME03.2025
Certificate - Community Naloxone Distributor And Od Response
Maine Access Points- Mikki Rice
Portland, ME02.2025
Certificate - Registered Peer Recovery Coach
Ccar And Maine Recovery Coach Certification Board
Clinton, CT11.2024
Skills
Assisted in managing house and facility operations Supported staff supervision and training initiatives Aided in payroll and benefits administration tasks Helped develop and enforce policies Facilitated admissions and intake processes Maintained documentation and compliance standards Coordinated scheduling and resource allocation Provided mentorship to team members and supported performance management efforts
Assisted in community outreach initiatives and built partnerships Provided active listening and emotional support to individuals Resolved conflicts effectively through mediation Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to achieve common goals Delivered excellent customer service to diverse populations Fostered relationships with vulnerable groups Educated families and offered support resources
Utilized Microsoft Office Suite to create documents, spreadsheets, and presentations Supported electronic health record systems by maintaining accurate patient information Assisted in crisis documentation and reporting to ensure compliance with protocols
Certification
- HIV & HCV Rapid Testing, Counseling, and Linkages Certification | Maine CDC, Portland, ME | March 2025
- Community Naloxone Distributor and Overdose Response Trainer Certification | Maine Access Points, Portland, ME | February 2025
- Peer Recovery Support Training | Commonspace | Ongoing
Languages
English – Native/Bilingual fluency
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Emergency Warming Shelter Staff
Commonspace
12.2024 - 04.2025
Harm Reduction Specialist, Manager, Recovery Coach
Commonspace
11.2024 - Current
Customer Service Representative
Amatos
09.2022 - 01.2024
House Manager, Recovery Coach, Community Integrated Practice Specialist (CIPS)
Commonspace
08.2022 - 11.2024
Certificate - Hiv And Hcv Rapid Testing And Counseling
Cdc- EsBee Bulhman
Certificate - Community Naloxone Distributor And Od Response
Maine Access Points- Mikki Rice
Certificate - Registered Peer Recovery Coach
Ccar And Maine Recovery Coach Certification Board