What are the responsibilities and job description for the Peer Specialist (Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team) position at New Horizon Counseling Center?
About Us
New Horizon Counseling Center is committed to empowering individuals living with serious mental illness to lead meaningful, independent lives. Through compassionate, community-based care, we provide comprehensive behavioral health services that meet clients where they are.
Position Overview
We are seeking a dedicated and empathetic Peer Specialist to join our Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team. This role utilizes lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery to provide peer support, advocacy, and mentorship to individuals served by the ACT program. As a valued member of the multidisciplinary team, the Peer Specialist helps inspire hope, foster engagement, and support clients in achieving their recovery goals.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide peer support services grounded in lived experience and recovery principles
- Build supportive, trusting relationships with clients to encourage engagement and participation in services
- Assist clients in developing and achieving personal recovery goals
- Facilitate wellness, recovery, and skills-building activities (individual and group)
- Support clients in navigating community resources, including housing, employment, and social supports
- Advocate for client needs and preferences within the ACT team
- Promote self-advocacy, empowerment, and independence
- Participate in daily team meetings, case conferences, and care coordination
- Provide outreach and engagement services in community-based settings
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation in accordance with agency and program requirements
Qualifications
- Lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery required
- Certification as a Peer Specialist (or willingness to obtain certification within required timeframe)
- High school diploma or equivalent required (some college preferred)
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Commitment to recovery-oriented and person-centered care
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in ACT, community mental health, or integrated care settings
- Bilingual skills are a plus
- Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR) systems
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
- Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
- Supportive team environment
- Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community