Peer Support Specialist

Job Summary
A Peer Support Specialist uses their own lived experience with recovery and life challenges to support individuals working toward stability, independence, and personal goals. They build trusting relationships with clients, provide encouragement and mentorship, help identify barriers, connect individuals with community resources, and assist with needs such as housing, employment, transportation, treatment, recovery services, benefits, and basic necessities. Peer Support Specialists advocate for clients while encouraging them to make their own decisions, develop healthy coping skills, build support systems, and become more self-sufficient. They also maintain professional boundaries, document client contacts and progress, coordinate with other service providers when appropriate, and provide nonjudgmental support throughout the recovery process.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one peer support to individuals working toward recovery, stability, and improved quality of life.
• Use lived experience appropriately to build trust, provide encouragement, and demonstrate that recovery and positive change are possible.
• Help individuals identify personal goals and develop practical steps toward achieving them.
• Use motivational interviewing, active listening, and other peer support techniques to encourage engagement and self-advocacy.
• Assist individuals in identifying barriers related to housing, employment, transportation, treatment, healthcare, legal obligations, benefits, and other basic needs.
• Connect individuals with community resources, treatment providers, recovery programs, housing resources, employment services, and other appropriate supports.
• Support individuals involved in the criminal justice system as they work toward successful community reintegration and completion of court, probation, or treatment requirements.
• Provide recovery support and help individuals recognize triggers, develop healthy coping strategies, and strengthen their natural support systems.
• Provide support during difficult or high-stress situations and follow established procedures when additional crisis or professional intervention is needed.
• Advocate for individuals while encouraging them to develop the skills and confidence needed to advocate for themselves.
• Provide transportation or community-based support when appropriate and within program guidelines.
• Coordinate with case managers, treatment providers, probation/parole officers, healthcare professionals, social service agencies, and other community partners when appropriate and authorized.
• Maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality, and ethical standards while developing supportive peer relationships.
• Complete timely and accurate documentation of client contacts, services provided, progress, goals, referrals, and other required information.
• Participate in staff meetings, case coordination, supervision, training, and continuing education.
• Maintain knowledge of local resources and programs available to individuals experiencing substance use, mental health, housing, employment, and other life challenges.
• Promote personal choice, dignity, accountability, independence, and a strengths-based approach throughout the recovery process.

Requirements

• Must have personal lived experience with recovery from substance use, mental health challenges, justice involvement, or other significant life challenges that can be appropriately used to support others.
• Must be willing and able to become certified as a Peer Support Specialist through the State of North Dakota. Current certification is preferred but not required.
• Strong communication and active listening skills with the ability to build positive, trusting relationships with individuals from different backgrounds and life experiences.
• Ability to provide support in a respectful, nonjudgmental, and person-centered manner.
• Understanding of recovery principles and the importance of allowing individuals to make their own choices and take an active role in their recovery.
• Ability to maintain healthy professional boundaries while using lived experience appropriately as part of the peer relationship.
• Comfortable working with individuals experiencing substance use, mental health challenges, homelessness or housing instability, justice involvement, unemployment, and other barriers.
• Ability to remain calm and supportive during stressful situations and recognize when additional crisis or professional intervention is necessary.
• Familiarity with motivational interviewing, strengths-based approaches, and recovery-oriented support is preferred. Training may be provided.
• Ability to connect individuals with community resources and assist them in navigating services such as housing, employment, treatment, transportation, healthcare, and benefits.
• Ability to work independently in the community while also communicating and collaborating effectively with coworkers and community partners.
• Reliable, dependable, and able to follow through on commitments made to clients and the organization.
• Ability to maintain accurate and timely documentation of client contacts and services provided.
• Must maintain client confidentiality and follow organizational policies, ethical standards, and applicable privacy requirements.
• Willingness to participate in required training, supervision, staff meetings, and continuing education.
• Basic computer and technology skills, including the ability to use email, electronic documentation systems, and common office programs.
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and the ability to travel locally when required by the position.
• Previous peer support, mentoring, recovery, behavioral health, social services, or community-based experience is preferred but not required.
• Most importantly, candidates should have a genuine desire to help others recognize their strengths, overcome barriers, and build a healthier and more independent life.

Join us in making a difference in the lives of those we serve by providing essential support as a Peer Support Specialist.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $18.00 - $19.00 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 35.0 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Ability to Commute:

• Dickinson, ND 58601 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Dickinson, ND 58601: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $19