Peer Specialist - Palatka

Location: Palatka, FL

Pay: $16.32/hour | Non-Exempt

Why Choose Meridian?

For over 50 years, Meridian Healthcare has been a trusted provider of compassionate care for individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges. With service centers across 13 counties in North Central Florida, we are committed to transforming lives and communities from the inside out.

We live by our core values: Hope, Empathy, Accountability, Resilience, and Teamwork (H.E.A.R.T.). If these resonate with you, we invite you to become part of our dedicated and mission-driven team.

About the Role

In this role, you’ll walk alongside individuals as they navigate recovery, offering real-world guidance, encouragement, and support. By sharing your story and building genuine connections, you’ll help others see their strength, regain confidence, and move forward with purpose.

You’ll also collaborate with care teams to ensure individuals feel supported, respected, and empowered every step of the way.

What You Will Do:

• Provide peer support through shared lived experiences and recovery tools
• Encourage self-advocacy, independence, and personal growth
• Help individuals connect to everyday resources and community support
• Build trusting relationships with clients and care teams
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation
• Advocate for individuals and promote hope, dignity, and recovery
• Comply with Meridian's policies and procedures.
• Meet required service hours on a weekly basis.
• Performs other duties as required to meet program and departmental goals and objectives.

What We’re Looking For

• Personal lived experience in recovery from substance use (minimum 2 years)
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Contingent upon obtaining your peer specialist certification within 13 months of employment.
• A passion for helping others and making a meaningful impact
• Must have a current Florida Driver's License with a clean driving record while meeting company insurance requirements.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Competitive Pay & Incentives
• Work-Life Balance: Generous PTO for vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Comprehensive Benefits: Multiple health plans, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability
• Retirement Planning: 403(b) with up to 8% company match after 7 years
• Growth & Development: Tuition reimbursement, career advancement pathways, and Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility
• Wellness & Support: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), wellness incentives, and mental health resources
• Inclusive Culture: Supportive, team-oriented environment with employee events and recognition
• Additional Perks: Cell phone discounts, travel reimbursement, LegalShield, pet insurance, and more

Make a Difference

Help bring hope and healing to the communities we serve.

Apply today and start your Meridian career

For information on Florida's Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse and screening requirements, visit https://info.flclearinghouse.com.

Meridian is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.