Peer Support Specialist

Overview
A Peer Support Specialist uses their lived experience to provide non-clinical, person-centered support to individuals facing life challenges such as mental health recovery, substance use recovery, homelessness, trauma, justice involvement, or major life transitions.

Peer Support Specialists walk alongside individuals—not ahead of them—offering encouragement, connection, advocacy, and hope. This role focuses on empowerment, stability, and self-sufficiency, not therapy or clinical treatment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one peer support services based on shared lived experience
• Build trusting, respectful relationships with individuals served
• Support individuals in setting personal goals and creating action steps
• Assist with connecting individuals to community resources (housing, employment, food, transportation, benefits, etc.)
• Offer encouragement, accountability, and motivation through regular check-ins
• Accompany individuals to appointments or community activities when appropriate
• Model recovery, resilience, and positive coping strategies
• Document services accurately and timely according to agency and MCO requirements
• Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality at all times
• Participate in supervision, trainings, and team meetings
• Follow agency policies, safety guidelines, and ethical standards

Required Qualifications

• Certified Peer Support Specialist (state-approved certification)
• Lived experience related to mental health recovery, substance use recovery, or significant life challenges
• High school diploma or GED
• Ability to relate to individuals with empathy, respect, and cultural humility
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Basic computer skills for documentation and communication
• Reliable transportation and valid driver's license (if field work is required)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with diverse populations
• Knowledge of local community resources
• CPR / First Aid certification
• Previous peer support or human services experience

Work Environment & Expectations

• Services may be provided in the community, client homes, offices, or virtual settings
• Work may involve interacting with individuals experiencing emotional distress, instability, or crisis
• Peer Support Specialists must follow de-escalation and safety protocols
• Staff are expected to maintain appropriate boundaries and seek support when needed

Physical & Emotional Demands

• Ability to travel within the community
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and engage in active listening
• Emotional resilience and willingness to seek supervision and self-care

Core Values We Expect

• Compassion
• Respect
• Accountability
• Empowerment
• Hope
• Integrity

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Contract

Pay: $ $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 15 – 45 per week

Work Location: In person