VOA Mid-States·Owensboro, Kentucky
The role involves conducting community outreach to referral sources and recruiting participants for addiction services. It also provides individual and group peer support to clients throughout their recovery journey.
Peer Support Specialist LOCATION: Owensboro, KY STATUS: Part-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt PROGRAM: Addiction Services REPORTS TO: Clinical Coordinator INTRODUCTION: Volunteers of America Mid-States (VOA) is a non-profit organization spanning four states that creates positive change in the lives of individuals and communities through a ministry of service. We provide housing for families, veterans, and low-income seniors. We provide care and support for individuals with developmental disabilities, healing accountability that brings people together with restorative justice, and free HIV testing and education. When Volunteers of America was founded in 1896, "volunteer" referred to anyone who served others as a vocation through a commitment to a mission. Today, we are still staffed by paid, mission-driven professionals working to create positive change and build thriving communities. Flexibility, teamwork, and fun are some of the reasons our employees are proud to work at VOA! We offer a comprehensive benefits package to employees who meet eligibility requirements.
Volunteers of America Mid-States, offers a rich and robust benefits package the supports a healthy work life balance, which include the following: Health and Wellness Employee Assistance Plans (EAP) Health and Wellness Program Medical Coverage Dental Coverage Vision Coverage Flexible Spending Account Health Spending Account Short Term Disability MetLife Legal Plans Financial Wellbeing Competitive Compensation Packages Life Insurance (company paid) 403b retirement plan with company fund matching Employee discounts *Loan forgiveness options through federal programs (National Health Corp & Public Service Loan Forgiveness) *All company paid benefits and paid time off effective day one Work Culture Commitment Committee Justice Committee Integrity Committee Compassion Committee Retention Committee Training & Development VOA LEAD Program- Leadership Development Program VOA University - Staff Development VOA Academy - Clinical Training and Development JOB SUMMARY AND QUALIFICATIONS: The Community Outreach Coordinator/Peer Support is responsible for all outreach to referral sources in our communities that include, but are not limited to the judicial system, corrections department, hospital and healthcare providers, and other community partners. Additionally, the Peer Support Specialist/Outreach Coordinator will assist with recruitment of FRC participants by attending home court dates and discussing program, discuss treatment options with potential new participants and assist with scheduling assessments as needed and securing treatment bed as applicable. They will provide ongoing support to FRC clients throughout each phase of the program through individual and group peer support sessions, attend interdisciplinary team meetings and provide updates on client progress to the treatment team. The Peer Support Specialist/Outreach Coordinator will also attend community outreach, educational sessions, training and in-services to provide relevant information regarding FRC and other programs as needed. WHAT YOU SHOULD HAVE FOR THIS ROLE: High School Graduate or GED; KY Certified peer support specialist preferred; Valid KY. Driver’s License and current automobile insurance required. Preferred applicants with 2 years of demonstrated, successful, sustained recovery
1. Follow through intake procedures.
2. Maintain regular/weekly contact with referral sources including but not limited to regional and local DCBS, probation and parole, hospitals, and detox centers. This includes checking for possible new referrals and updating on bed census at Freedom House.
3. Actively identify and support linkages to community resources (communities of recovery, educational, vocational, social, cultural, spiritual resources, mutual self- help groups, professional services, etc.).
4. Provide vision-driven hope and encouragement for opportunities at varying levels of involvement in community-based activities (e.g., work, school, relationships, physical activity, self-directed hobbies, etc.).
5. Develop relationships with community groups/agencies in partnership with others in the agency.
6. Maintain project logs, reports and records in appropriate files and database(s).
7. Provide recovery education to service recipients for every phase of the recovery journey from pre-recovery engagement, recovery initiation, recovery stabilization, and sustained recovery maintenance.
8. Assist recovering persons to identify their personal interests, goals, strengths and weaknesses regarding recovery.
9. Recovery Planning -- facilitate (via personal coaching) the transition from a professionally directed service plan to a self-directed Recovery Plan. The goal should be to transition from professionally assisted recovery initiation to personally directed, community supported recovery maintenance.
10. Support connections to community based, mutual self-help groups. Link individuals to appropriate professional resources when needed. Provide vision-driven hope and encouragement for opportunities at varying levels of involvement in community-based activities (e.g., work, school, relationships, physical activity, self-directed hobbies, etc.).
11. Maintain contact by phone and/or e-mail with a recovery person after they leave the program to ensure their ongoing success and to provide re-engagement support in partnership with others in the agency if needed. Long-term engagement, support, and encouragement.
12. Other duties as directed by the Director and/or Management Staff.
13. Develop, implement, and promote ongoing community training opportunities.
14. Persistently developing leads for potential new referral partners.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Requires a high school diploma or GED and a valid driver's license with insurance. A KY Certified Peer Support Specialist certification and two years of sustained recovery are preferred.
Market context
In Kentucky, Peer Support Specialist roles are commonly needed in behavioral health and recovery services, especially where programs rely on lived experience to support clients. These positions are competitive because employers look for candidates who can meet certification eligibility, communicate well, and bring both personal recovery experience and reliable transportation. Review the certification pathway and gather proof of your diploma, driver’s license, and insurance before applying; this platform’s AI-summarized job requirements and benefits can help you assess fit faster from the original posting.
