PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST

Job Title: Peer Support Specialist

Reports to: Peer Support Team Lead

Job Classification: Non-Exempt

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Position Summary:

The Peer Support Specialist provides recovery-oriented peer support to individuals at all stages of engagement with St. Monica’s, including those on the waitlist, in services, and transitioning into the community. This role uses lived experience to support engagement, connection to services, and development of recovery supports, while promoting participant-centered, trauma-informed care.

Core Responsibilities:

• Provide peer support services to participants across the continuum of care, including waitlist, active services, and post-discharge support as assigned.
• Support participant engagement, relationship-building, and connection to treatment and recovery services.
• Assist participants in preparing for treatment, transitions between levels of care, and reintegration into the community.
• Support participants in developing recovery supports, including connection to community resources, support groups, and employment services.
• Facilitate peer support groups and recovery-oriented programming as assigned.
• Support alumni engagement and ongoing recovery connections following discharge.
• Coordinate and communicate with internal teams to support continuity of care and participant needs.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of peer support services and participant contacts.
• Support culturally responsive and inclusive services by connecting participants with appropriate community resources.
• Participate in community outreach, networking, and peer support activities as assigned.
• Meet Job Expectations for Peer Support Specialist.

Core Competencies (All Positions):

• Communication: Communicates clearly, respectfully, and professionally.
• Professionalism & Ethics: Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and appropriate boundaries.
• Confidentiality & Compliance: Adheres to HIPAA, 42 CFR, and organizational policies.
• Cultural Responsiveness: Practices respect, inclusion, and cultural humility.
• Reliability & Accountability: Maintains dependable attendance and completes work accurately and on time.
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively to support organizational goals.

Position-Specific Competencies:

• Lived Experience Integration: Uses lived experience appropriately to support others.
• Recovery Support & Engagement: Encourages hope, self-direction, & recovery-oriented growth.
• Community Resource Navigation:Assists participants in accessing community supports & services.
• Cultural Responsiveness: Supports culturally relevant and participant-centered services.
• Group Facilitation: Engages participants through supportive peer and recovery-oriented activities.
• Relationship Building: Develops supportive, respectful, & recovery-focused relationships with participants.
• Communication & Collaboration: Coordinates effectively with internal & external supports & providers.

Education and Experience:

• Lived experience in a personal wellness and recovery journey for at least one year.
• High School diploma, GED, or equivalent required.
• Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) State Certification required or ability to obtain within six months of hire.
• WRAP and/or SMART Facilitator certification preferred.
• Experience working with individuals affected by substance use and mental health concerns preferred.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• First Aid/CPR certified or ability to obtain within six months of hire.
• Valid driver’s license and proof of insurance required upon hire.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation. This may include lifting up to 25 lbs., climbing stairs, and working in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.

Additional Information:

This job description reflects the general responsibilities and competencies required for the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties. Responsibilities may evolve to meet organizational needs.

St. Monica’s Home is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on age, race, religion, color, ethnicity, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.