CPSS​/Consumer Specialist

The Connection Project is seeking a full-time Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) who will also serve as the Consumer Specialist for Region 4 Behavioral Health System.

This is a dual-role position consisting of:

20 hours per week providing direct peer support services through The Connection Project

20 hours per week serving in the Region 4 Consumer Specialist role focused on advocacy, consumer engagement, recovery-oriented systems support, and community collaboration

This position is rooted in lived experience, recovery, leadership, and advocacy. We are looking for someone who believes recovery is possible, values authentic peer connection, and wants to help strengthen recovery supports across Northeast Nebraska.

The Connection Project is a peer-run nonprofit organization based in Norfolk, Nebraska. Our mission is to walk alongside individuals experiencing mental health and substance use challenges through peer support, recovery programming, wellness services, sober social connection, and community-based support.

We believe meaningful recovery happens through connection, purpose, accountability, and action.

• Provide direct peer support services grounded in lived experience and recovery principles
• Assist peers in identifying goals, accessing resources, and navigating systems of care
• Facilitate peer-led groups, wellness activities, and recovery-oriented programming
• Support individuals in developing recovery capital and community connection
• Participate in outreach efforts, recovery events, and wellness programming
• Maintain documentation and required reporting

• Promote recovery-oriented systems of care and trauma-informed approaches
• Assist with educational opportunities focused on wellness, recovery, peer support, and personal growth
• Support ongoing peer support education opportunities, including WRAP and peer-focused training
• Advocate for consumer voice, choice, inclusion, and meaningful involvement within behavioral health systems
• Utilize lived experience to advocate for individuals and families accessing behavioral health services
• Help reduce stigma surrounding mental health and substance use challenges
• Participate in work groups, special projects, and community collaborations related to behavioral health services
• Conduct outreach and relationship-building with behavioral health providers, consumers, and family members
• Assist in maintaining consumer/family engagement databases and participation records
• Support Consumer and Family Advisory Committee participation and engagement
• Assist with surveys, focus groups, and gathering consumer feedback regarding behavioral health services
• Develop reports and communicate findings related to consumer satisfaction and service needs to Region 4 Behavioral Health System

Required:

• Nebraska Certified Peer Support Specialist certification (CPSS) or ability to obtain certification
• Lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

Preferred:

• Experience facilitating groups or recovery programming
• Knowledge of Nebraska behavioral health systems and community resources
• Experience with advocacy, public speaking, outreach, or community organizing
• Experience working with advisory groups, committees, or community engagement initiatives

Full-time position

Salary range: $38,000-$45,000 depending on experience and qualifications

We are looking for someone who:

• Believes in recovery and personal growth
• Is dependable and self-motivated
• Can build authentic relationships with people from all walks of life
• Is comfortable balancing peer support with professionalism
• Wants to help improve behavioral health systems through lived experience and advocacy
• Values community, accountability, and leadership

The Connection Project is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages individuals with lived recovery experience to apply.