Peer Recovery Specialist

At First Steps Recovery, we don’t just offer jobs — we offer purpose. As a leading, accredited behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment facility, our work changes lives daily. If you're driven by compassion, grounded in integrity, and thrive in a supportive, recovery-focused environment, you're exactly who we’re looking for.

When you join First Steps Recovery, you become part of a tight-knit, multidisciplinary team that values empathy, growth, and evidence-based care. Whether you’re working directly with clients or behind the scenes, every role here matters — and every day is an opportunity to make a difference.

Besides being an amazing company to work for, we also offer:

· Medical, Dental, Vision benefits for full time employees

· PTO / Sick Leave Plans for full time and part time employees

· Free Employee Assistance Program for full time and part time employees

· Free Legal consultations and benefits for full time and part time employees

· Free Life Insurance for full time employees

· Generous 401K program for full time and part time employees

If you're ready to be part of something bigger, we invite you to take your next step with us!

Position Summary

Provide lived-experience–informed peer support that complements clinical services across Detox/Residential/PHP/IOP/OP and In-Home LOCs. Core duties include recovery mentoring, crisis de-escalation support, facilitating peer groups, escorting clients to services, and closing the loop with the primary clinical team—while upholding privacy (HIPAA/42 CFR Part 2), resident/client rights, and company policies.

Essential Functions

• Peer Support & Mentorship: Build recovery-oriented relationships; model coping skills, wellness routines, and pro-social engagement.

• Group Facilitation: Lead or co-lead peer/process/wellness groups; complete timely, accurate documentation in EMR (Kipu).

• Care Coordination: Assist clients with practical barriers (calls, scheduling, reminders) under guidance of the primary clinician.

• Crisis Support: Identify escalating risk; immediately notify clinical leadership; participate in safety planning within scope.

• Transport (as needed): Provide modest, policy-compliant local transportation; log all rides per Transportation Policy; seek approvals for exceptions.

• Documentation: Daily notes, incident/flag entries, email updates, and additional chart notes per documentation standards.

• Compliance & Ethics: Adhere to code of ethics; mandatory reporting; boundaries; non-inducement practices (EKRA/AKS awareness for transport).

• Team Collaboration: Communicate client concerns and progress to therapists, nursing, operations, and program management.

• Training & Meetings: Attend orientation, in-service trainings, and staff meetings; maintain required competencies and certifications.

Competencies

• Lived-experience recovery skills; motivational and strengths-based communication.

• Group facilitation; de-escalation; cultural humility and trauma-informed care.

• Organization, follow-through, and accurate documentation in EMR (Kipu).

• Professional boundaries; discretion with PHI/Part 2 information.

• Case Management

Minimum Qualifications

• Education/Experience: 1 year SUD/MH or comparable human-services experience preferred; lived experience with recovery (self or family) strongly preferred.

• Certification: Peer Recovery Specialist or Certified Peer Recovery Mentor (CCAPP or similar) certification (or in progress) preferred; AOD/SUD registration/certification (active or in progress) also considered.

• Licenses: Valid driver’s license; insurable driving record.

• Technical: Basic Microsoft tools; email; EMR (Kipu) proficiency preferred.

• Clearances: Negative TB within 1 year; medical clearance; ability to pass pre-employment and random drug screens.

• High School graduation, GED or equivalent

Physical Demands

Frequent standing/walking/sitting; occasional stair use, bending, kneeling; lift/push/pull 20–50 lbs; routine computer/EMR use; occasional community outings and client transport.

Work Environment & Schedule

Facility-based and off-site tasks/transport; day/evening/weekend/holiday coverage as assigned; complies with meals/breaks policies.