Peer specialist-Hourly

Peer specialist

Position Summary

The Peer Specialist plays a vital role in supporting individuals living with mental health and/or substance use challenges by using their own lived experience to inspire hope, promote recovery, and encourage self-determination. As a valued member of the interdisciplinary treatment team, the Peer Specialist provides trauma-informed peer support, advocacy, recovery education, and guidance that empowers individuals to achieve personal goals and improve their quality of life.

This position helps individuals build coping skills, strengthen community connections, develop natural supports, and navigate their recovery journey within a person-centered and recovery-oriented framework.

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Key responsibilities

• Direct peer support services
• Provide individual peer support services to people experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges.
• Utilize lived experience in a professional manner to promote hope, recovery, resiliency, and empowerment.
• Support individuals in identifying strengths and developing effective coping and wellness strategies.
• Facilitate peer support and recovery-focused groups.
• Assist individuals in achieving personal goals related to housing, employment, education, relationships, and community integration.
• Support the development and implementation of person-centered treatment and recovery plans.
• Help individuals prepare for recovery planning meetings and effectively communicate their goals, preferences, and needs.
• Assist with the completion of assessments, wellness plans, and recovery planning activities.
• Conduct outreach and engagement activities to encourage ongoing participation in services.
• Support the development of natural supports, community resources, and meaningful connections.
• Provide crisis intervention and support services as assigned.
• Advocate for individuals receiving services and promote self-advocacy whenever possible.

• Collaboration and team participation
• Participate actively in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings.
• Provide insight and education to team members regarding recovery-oriented care and peer support principles.
• Collaborate with clinical staff and service providers to support positive outcomes for individuals.
• Serve as a liaison with community organizations and external service providers when appropriate.
• Contribute to a positive, person-centered, and recovery-focused treatment environment.

• Documentation and administrative responsibilities
• Complete accurate, timely, and compliant documentation of services provided.
• Maintain client records in accordance with agency standards and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in quality improvement activities, data collection, and program evaluation efforts.
• Prepare and submit required reports and payroll-related documentation.
• Accurately document time worked and maintain required records.
• Complete assigned administrative tasks and required organizational forms.

• Professional standards
• Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries at all times.
• Adhere to agency policies, procedures, and applicable regulations.
• Comply with OSHA, HIPAA, safety, and workplace standards.
• Attend all required trainings, meetings, supervision sessions, and professional development opportunities.
• Demonstrate professionalism, sound judgment, and ethical conduct in all interactions.

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Required qualifications

• Education
• High School Diploma or GED preferred.

• Certifications
• Current CPR and First Aid Certification required.

• Experience
• Experience supporting individuals with mental health, substance use, or co-occurring disorders preferred.
• Experience working with underserved or vulnerable populations preferred.
• Demonstrated understanding of recovery principles and person-centered support practices.

• Additional requirements
• Valid driver's license with a minimum of three (3) years of continuous driving experience.
• Satisfactory driving record.
• Access to reliable transportation as required by program needs.

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Core competencies

Recovery-Oriented support

Uses lived experience and peer support principles to encourage hope, promote recovery, and empower individuals to achieve self-defined goals.

Communication

Communicates effectively and professionally, both verbally and in writing, with clients, team members, families, and community partners.

Ethical practice & professional boundaries

Maintains confidentiality, demonstrates integrity, and consistently applies ethical decision-making and professional boundaries.

Interpersonal effectiveness

Builds trusting relationships while interacting respectfully and effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Collaboration & teamwork

Works effectively within an interdisciplinary team to support coordinated, person-centered care and positive client outcomes.

Cultural competency

Provides inclusive, respectful, and culturally responsive support that recognizes and values diversity.

Critical thinking & problem solving

Assesses individual needs, identifies barriers, and helps connect individuals to appropriate services, resources, and supports.

Organization & time management

Effectively manages schedules, caseload responsibilities, documentation, and multiple priorities.

Adaptability

Demonstrates flexibility and responsiveness in dynamic environments while meeting changing client and program needs.

Documentation accuracy

Maintains thorough, accurate, and timely records in accordance with agency, funding, and regulatory requirements.

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Physical requirements

• The physical demands listed below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position:
• Sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds when necessary.
• Reach, bend, stoop, twist, and climb stairs.
• Travel throughout the community and between service locations.
• Drive a vehicle for client-related and program-related activities.
• Utilize computers, communication equipment, and office technology as part of daily responsibilities.

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Equipment and technology

This position may regularly utilize

• Cellular and multi-line telephones
• Computers and electronic record systems
• Microsoft Office applications
• Copiers, scanners, calculators, and fax machines
• Agency-specific software and documentation systems

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Working environment

Work is performed in a variety of settings, including

• Community locations
• Client homes
• Behavioral health programs
• Multiple office locations
• Community agencies and partner organizations

Employees may be exposed to

• Bloodborne Pathogens
• Workplace and community-based safety hazards
• Fire and safety risks
• Environmental conditions associated with community-based service delivery

Compliance with OSHA, HIPAA, Right-to-Know, Fire & Safety, Security, and all applicable organizational policies is required.

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Why join our team?

As a Peer Specialist, you will have the opportunity to use your lived experience to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. You will work alongside a compassionate, multidisciplinary team dedicated to promoting recovery, independence, and community inclusion. Your voice, experience, and perspective will help individuals build confidence, overcome challenges, and achieve their personal goals.

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Disclaimer

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the responsibilities and qualifications associated with this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or working conditions. Employees may be assigned additional responsibilities as needed to support program operations and client care. Successful performance requires professionalism, flexibility, sound judgment, teamwork, and a commitment to recovery-oriented services.