What are the responsibilities and job description for the Peer Counselor position at Continental Wellness Centers?
Job Title: Peer CounselorLocation: Oakland Park, FLEmployment Type: Full-Time or Part-TimeReports To: Program Director / Clinical SupervisorJob Summary:The Peer Counselor is an essential part of our behavioral health and supportive services team, offering guidance, empathy, and support to individuals navigating mental health challenges, substance use recovery, and/or chronic medical conditions. Lived experience with recovery is highly valued and preferred, though not required. Candidates may also bring relevant expertise, transferable skills, or a strong commitment to peer-informed care. The Peer Counselor helps clients build resilience, access services, and engage in meaningful wellness activities, fostering a supportive and nonjudgmental environment while bridging the gap between providers and the communities we serve.Key Responsibilities:Client Support & Engagement:Build trusting, empathetic relationships with clients through shared experience and non-clinical support.Assist clients in setting and achieving personal recovery goals.Provide mentorship and encouragement around treatment adherence, lifestyle changes, and reentry challenges.Accompany clients to appointments or assist with navigating service systems (as needed).Wellness & Recovery Promotion:Facilitate or co-facilitate peer-led groups, including wellness check-ins, recovery education, life skills, or support circles.Help clients develop coping strategies, crisis plans, and independent living skills.Encourage participation in structured programming, activities, or community engagement events.Documentation & Communication:Maintain accurate and timely documentation of all peer interactions in compliance with program policies and confidentiality standards.Communicate client needs and concerns to appropriate team members while respecting client privacy.Support coordination of care by collaborating with case managers, clinicians, and medical staff.Advocacy & Representation:Advocate for trauma-informed, person-centered approaches within the agency and among partner organizations.Represent the peer voice at internal meetings, training, and community events.Training & Professional Growth:Participate in ongoing peer support training, supervision, and development workshops.Maintain certification and understanding of recovery models, harm reduction, and cultural humility.Required Qualifications:Lived experience with behavioral health recovery, substance use recovery, or chronic illness.Must be actively engaged in stable recovery (minimum 1 year preferred).High School Diploma or GED.Peer Support Specialist certification (or willingness to obtain within 6 months of hire).Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.Basic computer literacy (documentation, email, scheduling).Preferred Qualifications:Bilingual (Spanish or Haitian Creole).Experience working with justice-involved, LGBTQ , or underserved populations.Familiarity with harm reduction, motivational interviewing, and recovery-oriented systems of care.Work Environment & Physical Requirements:Combination of office, community, and in-field work.May involve standing, walking, or light lifting (up to 20 lbs).Flexible schedule may include some evenings or weekends based on client needs.Benefits:Health, Dental, and Vision InsurancePaid Time Off (PTO) and HolidaysProfessional Development & Certification ReimbursementSupportive, mission-driven work cultureOpportunities for advancement in behavioral health servicesTo Apply::Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing their qualifications and experience to ziprecruiter@continentalwellnesscenter.comCompany DescriptionContinental Wellness Centers provides Infectious Disease services through our "HIV/STD Test 'N Treat Program", Integrated Behavioral Health (MH and/or SA) and limited primary care services.
Salary : $16 - $19