Peer Support Specialist

Job Overview

We are seeking a motivated and compassionate Support Specialist to join our behavioral health team in a correctional and reentry-focused setting. This position serves as a frontline support for individuals involved in the Adams County Adult Correctional Complex, providing pre-release engagement, reentry planning, crisis response, and post-release peer support.The Support Specialist plays a critical role in helping individuals navigate mental health challenges, substance use recovery, and the complex transition from incarceration to community living. Through trauma-informed engagement, crisis intervention, and strengths-based support, this role fosters stability, empowerment, and long-term recovery outcomes. This paid position offers a meaningful opportunity to make a direct impact while building professional skills in behavioral health, crisis management, reentry support, and social services.

Key Responsibilities

Pre-Release Engagement

• Build rapport and establish trust with individuals preparing for release.
• Conduct comprehensive needs assessments related to housing, employment, benefits, recovery support, and behavioral health.
• Assist individuals in developing individualized release and reentry plans.
• Identify risk factors and collaborate on safety and stabilization planning as needed.

Release & Reentry Support

• Provide guidance, encouragement, and peer mentoring throughout the release process.
• Support individuals in navigating systemic barriers, stigma, and reentry-related challenges.
• Connect participants to community-based services, recovery supports, and natural support networks.

Post-Release Engagement

• Provide peer support in the community following release to reinforce recovery, stability, and self-advocacy.
• Facilitate referrals and service linkages to behavioral health, housing, employment, and support services.
• Respond to emerging crises using de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques.

Skill-Building & Group Facilitation

• Facilitate groups, trainings, and skill-building activities using prison-approved curriculum.
• Promote resilience, recovery capital, coping skills, and pro-social engagement.
• Encourage participant empowerment and long-term reintegration success.

Documentation & Collaboration

• Maintain accurate, timely documentation of all services, assessments, and encounters in designated electronic record systems.
• Collaborate closely with correctional staff, supervisors, multidisciplinary treatment teams, and community partners.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development to remain current with best practices in behavioral health, crisis intervention, and reentry services.

Qualifications & Experience

• Experience in crisis intervention, behavioral health, social services, or correctional-based support settings preferred.
• Knowledge of mental health support strategies, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed care.
• Familiarity with substance use recovery principles and reentry challenges is highly desirable.
• Experience working with justice-involved or diverse populations strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with electronic health record (EHR) or documentation systems.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to maintain professional boundaries.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and effective in high-stress or crisis situations.

Why Join Us? This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference at a critical point in individuals' lives. We are committed to supporting our staff through ongoing training, supervision, and a collaborative team environment dedicated to excellence in behavioral health and reentry services.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Paid time off

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person