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.

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.

• The By-Laws of the Corporation and as set forth in the Articles of Incorporation.

• 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…