Certified Peer Specialist

At Project HOME, every role contributes to our mission of empowering individuals to achieve stability, wellness, and self-determination. As a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS), you'll use your lived experience with mental health recovery to provide person-centered, strengths-based support to individuals receiving services.

Working from a recovery-oriented and trauma-informed approach, you'll serve as a mentor, advocate, and role model, helping participants identify personal goals, develop coping strategies, build support systems, and strengthen community connections. Through peer support and shared experience, you'll help individuals navigate challenges while fostering hope, resilience, and self-determination.

Location: Inn of Amazing Mercy - 115 E. Huntingdon Street, Philadelphia, PA 19121
Schedule: Full Time | Monday through Friday, 9AM to 5PM
Compensation: Up to $23/hour, based on experience

What You'll Do

Provide Peer Support & Recovery Coaching

• Build trusting relationships through shared lived experience and recovery-focused support.
• Assist individuals in identifying strengths, setting goals, and participating in person-centered planning.
• Support the development of individualized service plans and recovery goals.
• Help individuals create and maintain mental health advance directives.
• Encourage self-advocacy, informed decision-making, and personal accountability.

Support Wellness & Community Integration

• Help participants develop coping strategies and recognize early warning signs of relapse.
• Assist individuals in building and maintaining positive personal and social support networks.
• Connect residents with behavioral health, recovery, housing, employment, and community resources.
• Escort residents into the community to attend recovery-focused activities and events when appropriate.
• Promote community engagement, social inclusion, and meaningful relationships.

Facilitate Groups & Recovery Activities

• Coordinate and facilitate peer-led groups and recovery-oriented programming.
• Lead activities that promote self-esteem, confidence, wellness, and personal growth.
• Support substance use recovery efforts through peer engagement and recovery education.
• Encourage participation in recovery communities and natural support systems.

Crisis Support & Advocacy

• Provide peer support during periods of crisis and transition.
• Assist participants in identifying triggers and implementing healthy coping strategies.
• Advocate for access to services, resources, and opportunities that support recovery and independence.
• Support residents in maintaining lease obligations and housing stability.

Documentation & Team Collaboration

• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant documentation.
• Participate in supervision, staff meetings, community meetings, and ongoing professional development.
• Maintain Certified Peer Specialist credentials and required continuing education.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to support participant success.

What You'll Need

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

Certification

• Active Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) Certification through the Pennsylvania Certification Board (PCB) required.

Experience

• Must identify as an individual with lived experience of a mental health diagnosis and be in a stable stage of recovery that allows for positive peer support.
• Experience providing peer support, mentoring, advocacy, or recovery-oriented services preferred.
• Experience with crisis intervention, de-escalation, and group facilitation.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of Philadelphia's behavioral health, substance use, housing, and recovery support systems.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to develop trusting and supportive relationships.
• Understanding of recovery-oriented and trauma-informed practices.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Computer proficiency and ability to use electronic documentation systems.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Valid Pennsylvania driver's license required.

What You May Bring

While not required, the following qualifications may help you succeed in this role:

• Experience working in supportive housing, behavioral health, recovery, or community-based programs.
• Experience supporting individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
• Knowledge of harm reduction and recovery-oriented practices.
• Experience facilitating peer support groups, wellness workshops, or recovery activities.
• Familiarity with community resources throughout Philadelphia.
• Experience supporting individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use challenges.
• Strong advocacy and public speaking skills.

What We Offer

Project HOME is committed to supporting the well-being of our employees through a comprehensive benefits package.

Eligible employees enjoy:

• Competitive compensation
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with low employee costs
• Company-paid life and disability insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 401(k) with employer matching
• Generous Paid Time Off, including paid sabbatical leave
• Employee wellness programs
• Professional development and career growth opportunities

Who We Are

Project HOME is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to ending homelessness and poverty in Philadelphia. Through integrated housing, healthcare, education, employment, and supportive services, we empower individuals to break the cycle of homelessness and achieve lasting stability.

We believe every person deserves dignity, opportunity, and the support needed to thrive. Our employees are united by compassion, respect, and a commitment to creating stronger, healthier communities.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Project HOME is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Project HOME conducts background checks, reference checks, and drug screenings on all final candidates as a condition of employment.