Part - Time Instructor, Peer Recovery Support Specialist

Part‑Time Instructor, Peer Recovery Support Specialist

The Peer Support Specialist Instructor is responsible for delivering high-quality, evidence-based training to individuals preparing for certification as Peer Support Specialists (PSS) or Certified Peer Support Specialists (CPSS). This role combines educational instruction with the unique perspective of lived experience in recovery (mental health, substance use, or co‑occurring challenges).

The instructor guides adult learners through foundational competencies, ethical boundaries, and communication frameworks necessary to provide effective peer-to-peer support in community, clinical, and correctional settings.

• Facilitate Core Training: Deliver established training curricula covering essential peer competencies, including the recovery model, trauma‑informed care, motivational interviewing basics, and cultural humility.
• Model Peer Principles: Demonstrate and teach the intentional use of lived experience and strategic self‑disclosure as therapeutic tools in a professional setting.
• Adult Learning Facilitation: Utilize diverse instructional methods (e.g., role‑playing, interactive group discussions, case scenarios, and multimedia) to accommodate various learning styles.
• Skills Evaluation: Assess students' mastery of core skills, particularly around active listening, validating experiences, and navigating professional boundaries.

• Student Mentorship: Provide guidance, academic support, and constructive feedback to students navigating the training and their own professional readiness.
• Track Performance: Maintain accurate records of student attendance, participation, assignment completion, and final competency assessments.
• Certification Preparation: Guide students through the state or national certification exam application process, ensuring all training hour requirements are fully documented and met.

• Update Courseware: Ensure all training materials align with current state certification boards, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) guidelines, and evolving industry standards.
• Maintain Ethical Boundaries: Emphasize and enforce training modules dedicated to ethical codes of conduct, confidentiality laws (HIPAA), and the prevention of vicarious trauma or burnout.

• Adult Education
  
  Skills:
  
  Proven ability to facilitate groups, manage a classroom, or deliver presentations comfortably to diverse populations.
• Communication: Exceptional interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with a deep understanding of empathetic and non‑stigmatizing language.
• Digital Literacy: Proficiency with learning management systems (LMS) like Canvas or Blackboard, as well as video‑conferencing platforms (Zoom, MS Teams) for hybrid or remote instruction.

• Certification: Current certification as a Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) or Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS) from an accredited state or national board.
• Lived
  
  Experience:
  
  Self‑identified personal lived experience of recovery from mental health challenges, substance use disorders, or co‑occurring challenges, with a sustained period of stable recovery (typically minimum of 1‑2 years).
• Field
  
  Experience:
  
  Minimum of 2 years of active, hands‑on experience working as a practicing Peer Support Specialist in a healthcare, community‑based, or behavioral health environment.

• Experience with CANVAS or other learning management systems.
• Skills in the use and operation of basic computer software.

$40 per hour.

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• Certifications

CSN is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. For more information, visit http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

06/30/2027