Franklin County Public Health·Columbus, Ohio
Utilize lived experience to provide peer support, harm reduction, and recovery strategies for individuals with substance use disorders. Responsibilities include facilitating support groups, managing grant documentation, and coordinating connections to community care services.
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Peer Support Specialist I/II Under supervision and guidance from the Care Coordination Division Manager, the Peer Support Specialist I will work with the Peer Support Specialist II to prevent substance use disorders through a collaborative process that focuses on utilizing their lived experience to help others impacted through peer support, harm reduction and prevention strategies, and community education. Under supervision and guidance from the Care Coordination Division Manager, the Peer Support Specialist II will lead Franklin County Public Health’s efforts to address substance use disorders through a collaborative process that focuses on utilizing their lived experience to help others through peer support, harm reduction and prevention strategies, and community education. .
Include: Assist with the planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating community-based recovery strategies that focus on opiate and other substance used in Franklin County. Conducting support meetings and responding to client emergencies as needed. This position will be responsible for the writing, editing, and collecting of documentation to assure compliance with existing and future grants. This role actively identifies and collaborates on applying for new funding opportunities that align with program and agency priorities. Conducts client documentation in compliance with federal and state policies and mandates. This position focuses on providing excellent customer service to internal and external customers in accordance with the mission, core values, and purposes of Franklin County Public Health. Responsible for training peers. Works with peers to provide one-to-one or group support. Provides services that focus on emotional support, sharing experiences, education, and practical activities. Directs individuals to create their own recovery plans and develop their own recovery pathways. Ensures that recovery plans and other supports are customized, and built on each individual’s strengths, needs, and recovery goals. The Peer Support Specialist shall function as a role model using their personal experiences to develop meaningful and trusting relationships with individuals needing peer support. This role is expected to meet with individuals with a substance use disorder in various settings in coordination with the needs of ongoing programming and outreach, utilizing motivational interviewing, mentoring, and other techniques to assess change readiness. This position will facilitate and coordinate warm hand offs and connections to care, and services identified as necessary by the client. Assist peers in gaining information and support from the community to develop mastery over their own recovery, to include but not limited to attendance in a variety of pro-social activities, Twelve Step and other recovery support groups, exposing them to treatment, other supportive services options and community resources, i.e., communities of recovery, educational, vocational, social, cultural, spiritual, life skills development opportunities, etc. Assist in client goal development through individual and group sessions. As directed, develop a community-based peer support group for individuals with substance use disorder and or/ family forums intended to provide hope and a forum for shared positive interaction, teaching of problem solving, coping mechanisms and other life skills. Provide long term engagement, support and encouragement via regular telephone, email, text and in person contacts. Build and develop networks with external stakeholders and service providers to increase access to community-based resources. Coordinate with community partners on access to evidence-based recovery supports and programs. Maintain peer and recovery community certification(s) or take steps to become certified as a peer, as outlined by the requirements of the state, immediately following the onboarding process. Complete documentation and data collection on associated work such as client plans, process notes, and assessments. Participate in evaluation and quality assurance activities. Utilizes appropriate methods for interacting effectively and professionally with persons of all ages and from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial, and ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, lifestyles and physical abilities. .
High school diploma or equivalent.
Experience or knowledge in overdose prevention, substance use disorder treatment, harm reduction, recovery, and/or drug policy.
Ohio Driver's License.
Peer Support Specialist Certification preferred.
Social Worker, Licensed Professional Counselor, and/or Chemical Dependency Counselor preferred.
Peer Support Specialist II Bachelor’s degree in public health, Public Administration, Health Education, Social work, or related field.
Two years of directly related experience in grants writing, grants management.
Experience or knowledge in overdose prevention, substance use disorder treatment, harm reduction, recovery, and/or drug policy.
Ohio Driver's License.
Peer Support Specialist Certification preferred.
Social Worker, Licensed Professional Counselor, and/or Chemical Dependency Counselor preferred.
Peer Support Specialist I $23.44/hour- $26.95/hour. This is a full-time, non-exempt position. Peer Support Specialist II $25.78/hour- $29.65/hour. This is a full-time, non-exempt position.
Internal applicants (07/10/2026); External applicants (Until Filled) No phone calls please. Franklin County Public Health is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Learn more at www.myfcph.org. FCPH is committed to providing a healthy work environment for all employees, and all employees agree to be non-tobacco users as a condition of employment (e.g., cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, vapor, etc.). All applicants offered positions with FCPH must submit to and pass a drug and alcohol screen before beginning work. Applicants with disabilities may contact Victoria Bradley, HR Generalist at victoriabradley@franklincountyohio.gov or 614-301-2100 to request and arrange for accommodations. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be interpreted as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel in this position.
Market context
Behavioral health roles in Ohio are typically in steady demand as employers seek clinicians who can support outpatient, community, and integrated care settings. These positions are competitive because they often require a master’s degree and a valid clinical license, and candidates should note that the requirements and benefits here are AI-summarized from the original job description to save research time. Before applying, confirm licensure fit and prepare examples of direct client care, crisis response, or care coordination.
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