Peer Support Specialist

Peer Specialist

The Peer Specialist provides recovery-oriented peer support services to individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance use conditions. Using their own lived experience, the Peer Specialist promotes hope, self-determination, wellness, and recovery while assisting individuals in achieving personal goals. Working as part of an interdisciplinary ACT/ACT Plus team, the Peer Specialist provides advocacy, education, trauma-informed support, and guidance to help individuals build coping skills, strengthen community connections, and improve overall quality of life.

• Provides peer support services to individuals with mental health and/or substance use conditions.
• Utilizes lived experience to promote recovery, resilience, hope, and self-determination.
• Assists individuals in developing coping skills, wellness strategies, and recovery goals.
• Facilitates peer-led recovery support groups and activities.
• Supports individuals in achieving personal goals related to housing, employment, education, and community integration.
• Assists in developing and implementing person-centered treatment and recovery plans.
• Participates in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings.
• Provides advocacy and support for individuals receiving services.
• Assists individuals in preparing for recovery planning meetings and expressing their goals, preferences, and needs.
• Provides education and guidance to team members regarding recovery-oriented practices and peer support principles.
• Engages individuals through outreach, relationship building, and ongoing support.
• Provides crisis intervention and support services as assigned.
• Assists in completing assessments, wellness plans, and other recovery-related documentation.
• Supports the development of natural supports and community connections.
• Encourages independence, self-advocacy, and personal growth.
• Maintains accurate and timely service documentation.
• Documents time worked accurately.
• Other duties as assigned by management.

• Maintains knowledge of agency policies, procedures, and applicable federal and state regulations.
• Ensures confidentiality and maintains professional boundaries at all times.
• Completes and maintains accurate client documentation and records.
• Participates in quality improvement initiatives and data collection activities.
• Engages in ongoing professional development and required trainings.
• Prepares and submits reports and required program documentation.
• Acts as a liaison with community agencies and external service providers as needed.
• Adheres to OSHA, HIPAA, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Completes Human Resources documentation and required forms within established time frames.
• Attends all required meetings, trainings, and supervision sessions.
• Maintains professionalism, ethical conduct, and sound judgment in all aspects of employment.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with individuals served, families, team members, and community partners.
• Other duties as needed to support program operations.

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• Lived experience with mental health, substance use recovery, or co-occurring conditions strongly preferred.
• CPR and First Aid Certification required or obtainable upon hire.
• Experience working with underserved populations preferred.
• Experience supporting individuals with mental health, substance use, or co-occurring disorders preferred.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Minimum three (3) years of continuous driving experience.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Effective documentation and recordkeeping skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Ability to assess individual needs and connect individuals to appropriate resources.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and ethical standards.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to adapt to changing situations and environments.
• Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, leadership, and interdisciplinary teams.
• Basic computer proficiency and familiarity with Microsoft Office applications.

Communicates clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with individuals served, team members, supervisors, and community stakeholders.

Maintains confidentiality, exercises sound judgment, and adheres to ethical standards and professional boundaries.

Builds rapport and maintains positive, professional relationships with individuals served and community partners.

Works effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team and contributes valuable insight to support positive outcomes.

Provides respectful, person-centered support to individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences.

Assesses situations, identifies…