Demo

Peer Support Specialist

THE EMPOWERMENT CENTER
Chesapeake, VA Full Time
POSTED ON 12/19/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 4/17/2026

The Empowerment Center is seeking a Peer Support Specialist (PSS) to join our Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team. This role is ideal for someone with lived experience in mental health recovery who is passionate about supporting others through hope, empowerment, and real-world engagement.

Peer Support Specialists are core members of the ACT team, providing structured, recovery-oriented services to individuals with serious mental illness in community settings.

What You’ll Do

  • Provide peer support services using lived experience and recovery principles
  • Support individuals with emotional regulation, motivation, and engagement
  • Model coping skills, wellness routines, and self-advocacy
  • Assist individuals with community integration and daily routines
  • Support individuals during transitions or challenging moments (non-clinical)
  • Collaborate daily with ACT team members (LMHP, RN, QMHP, etc.)
  • Participate in daily team meetings and shared caseload activities
  • Complete required, person-centered documentation

What You Will NOT Do

  • Provide therapy or clinical counseling
  • Diagnose or assess mental health conditions
  • Administer medications
  • Replace licensed or clinical staff

Requirements

  • DBHDS-Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (or eligible to obtain)
  • Lived experience with mental health recovery
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
  • Strong communication and professional boundary skills
  • Ability to work flexible hours as needed

Preferred (Not Required)

  • Experience in ACT, PSR, or community-based mental health services
  • Knowledge of Medicaid/DMAS behavioral health programs
  • Crisis de-escalation or trauma-informed care training

Why Join The Empowerment Center?

  • Recovery-focused, mission-driven organization
  • Supportive, team-based work environment
  • Opportunity to make meaningful community impact
  • Ongoing training, supervision, and professional growth
  • Lived experience is valued and respected here

Work Environment

  • Community-based (homes, shelters, hospitals, community settings)
  • Field work with local travel
  • Fast-paced, high-impact role supporting high-acuity individuals

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Empowerment Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, inclusion, and lived experience.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $16.00 - $19.00 per hour

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16 - $19

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