University of Arkansas System·Little Rock, Arkansas
The Peer Support Specialist provides guidance and mentorship to program participants based on personal recovery experiences to support mental health and sobriety. They assist individuals in setting recovery goals, accessing community resources, and collaborating with clinical teams to ensure successful post-discharge follow-up.
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Closing Date: 08/04/2026
Clinical Staff - Nursing
Job Type: Regular
Institution Name: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has a unique combination of education, research, and clinical programs that encourages and supports teamwork and diversity.
We champion being a collaborative health care organization, focused on improving patient care and the lives of Arkansans.
UAMS offers amazing benefits and perks (available for benefits eligible positions only): Health: Medical, Dental and Vision plans available for qualifying staff and family Holiday, Vacation and Sick Leave Education discount for staff and dependents (undergraduate only) Retirement: Up to 10% matched contribution from UAMS Basic Life Insurance up to $50,000 Career Training and Educational Opportunities Merchant Discounts Concierge prescription delivery on the main campus when using UAMS pharmacy Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.
To apply for the position, please click the Apply link/button.
The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution.
The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy.
Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S.
Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.
Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.
All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.
For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at askrecruitment@uams.edu.
Department: COM | PSY Health & Legal Sys Lab
*Schedule will be determined at hire based on team needs. Some evening and weekend hours may be required, depending on coverage.*
The Peer Support Specialist is housed within the Health and the Legal System (HEALS) Lab in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. The incumbent will be assigned to grants and contracts within the team. Using their own unique life experiences, the Peer Support Specialist (PSS) in the HEALS lab will support and provide guidance to program participants on basic mental health practices, accessing needed services and community supports, and sustaining sobriety. Under the guidance of licensed behavioral health providers, the Peer Support Specialist will function as a role model to HEALS’ program/research participants; exhibit competency in personal recovery and use of coping skills; serve as a behavioral health consumer advocate; and provide basic mental health practices for clients/participants.
The incumbent will maintain timely and meticulous documentation in all roles. Assigned duties may occur in-person and virtually at the UAMS campus and/or at various locations in the community including within jails and prisons. Exact assignments may change over time depending on funding and team needs; flexibility, willingness to continue to learn, and a team-focused attitude to assignments are requirements of the position.
This position requires the ability to interact and develop strong positive working relationships with a diverse group of professionals at all levels within the organization and the outside community. The incumbent will represent UAMS and HEALS Lab in a positive and professional manner and adhere to all best practices, guidelines, policies and procedures as established. Willingness to undertake in-state travel to community sites is a requirement of the position.
High school diploma/GED required. Eligible to test for Peer Support certificate in Arkansas within 6 months of employment. Must be a current or past consumer of mental health or co-occurring behavioral health services. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Ability to utilize individual and group skills. Strong knowledge of local community services. 2-3 years of success within a personal recovery model.
Bachelor's degree. Minimum 1 year of experience in a Behavioral Health setting. Certified Peer Support Specialist in the state of Arkansas.
Assist individuals in identifying personal goals for recovery using one-on-one and group sessions. Support the individual in goal setting and development of a recovery plan by providing skills, strengths, supports, and resources to aid them. Assist with obtaining community resources for housing, childcare, and transportation; building social skills; education/employment opportunities; obtaining medical services; and other recovery-oriented activities. Assist the individual in identifying personal and environmental obstacles to recovery, linking the individual to the recovery community, including inpatient substance abuse rehab services if needed, and serve as a personal guide and mentor in the management of personal and family recovery. Assist individuals in developing empowerment skills. Work with clinical staff in developing and implementing post-discharge follow-up procedures to support participants following discharge. Work with community collaborators and engage in outreach to support utilization and maintenance of engagement of services, including through educational outreach visits on-site around the state. Make connections with potential community partners to facilitate strong network building. Provide information for self-help and support groups, parenting skills, nutrition and strategies to promote wellness and recovery. Independently or with periodic assistance of higher-graded treatment team members, utilize and teach problem-solving techniques with individuals and groups. The PSS will share their own recovery story and demonstrate what skills, strengths, supports and resources they have used to direct their own recovery. Work closely with the individual’s treatment team, family and community in determining the steps they need to take in order to achieve recovery goals and self-directed recovery. Relay individual issues and concerns to the treatment team. Attend and participate in treatment team and project meetings. Performs other related responsibilities as required.
Salary Information: Commensurate with education and experience
Required Documents: to Apply: List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume
Optional Documents: Proof of Veteran Status
Please contact askrecruitment@uams.edu for any recruiting related questions.
All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.
Pre-employment Screening Requirements: Adult Maltreatment, Child Maltreatment, Criminal Background Check, Substance Abuse Testing
This position is subject to pre-employment screening (criminal background, drug testing, and/or education verification). A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication alone shall not disqualify an applicant except as provided by law. Any criminal history will be evaluated in relationship to job responsibilities and business necessity. The information obtained in these reports will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.
Constant Physical Activity: Hearing, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Talking
Frequent Physical Activity: Hearing, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Sitting, Standing, Talking, Walking
Occasional Physical Activity: Driving
Benefits: Eligible: Yes
Market context
Behavioral-health positions in Arkansas often reflect steady need in schools, clinics, and community settings, especially for candidates who can support students or patients with behavioral and emotional needs. These roles can be competitive because employers often prefer applicants with a bachelor’s degree and prior mental health experience, while also requiring CPR/First Aid and Handle with Care certifications. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to quickly compare fit, then confirm the original posting and be ready to discuss any direct care, de-escalation, or support experience.
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