A Peer Support Specialist is a trained professional who uses their own lived experience with mental health or substance use challenges to provide support, hope, and guidance to others on their recovery journey, playing a vital role in reducing relapse rates and improving long-term outcomes for clients and the organization.
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What is a Peer Support Specialist?
A Peer Support Specialist is a certified professional who has personal, lived experience in recovering from mental health conditions, substance use disorders, or both. They use this experience, combined with formal training, to provide support, advocacy, and mentorship to individuals facing similar challenges. Their role is built on the principle of mutuality and the powerful idea that someone who has 'been there' can offer unique empathy, understanding, and practical guidance that complements clinical care.
What does a Peer Support Specialist do?
A Peer Support Specialist performs a variety of roles focused on fostering recovery and empowerment. They build authentic, trusting relationships with clients, sharing their own recovery stories to inspire hope and reduce feelings of isolation. They assist individuals in developing personalized wellness plans, connecting to community resources, and navigating the healthcare system. Furthermore, they advocate for clients' needs and rights, facilitate support groups, and model effective coping strategies, all while maintaining strong professional boundaries.
Job Overview
A Peer Support Specialist provides hope, support, and mentorship to individuals facing mental health, substance use, or other life challenges by leveraging their own lived experience and recovery journey. This role involves building trusting relationships, facilitating peer support groups, and connecting individuals with community resources while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries and documentation.
Peer Support Specialist responsibilities include:
1. Provide one-on-one peer support through active listening, shared experience, and recovery-oriented coaching
2. Facilitate peer support groups and wellness workshops using evidence-based peer support models
3. Assist individuals in developing personal recovery plans and setting achievable goals
4. Model and teach coping strategies, self-help techniques, and recovery principles
5. Accompany individuals to appointments and community activities when appropriate
6. Maintain accurate and timely documentation of peer interactions and progress notes
7. Collaborate with clinical team members while maintaining distinct peer role boundaries
8. Connect individuals with community resources, support services, and recovery-oriented activities
9. Uphold confidentiality standards and adhere to HIPAA regulations
10. Participate in ongoing training and supervision to enhance peer support skills
1. Personal lived experience with mental health recovery, substance use recovery, or similar life challenges
2. Certified Peer Specialist certification (state-specific) or ability to obtain within 6 months
3. Minimum 1 year of sustained personal recovery experience
4. Completion of state-approved peer support training program
5. Ability to share personal recovery story appropriately to inspire hope
6. Strong active listening and communication skills
7. Basic understanding of mental health and substance use recovery principles
8. High school diploma or GED equivalent
9. Clean background check and eligible for state credentialing
10. Valid driver's license and reliable transportation
Preferred Qualifications
1. 2+ years experience working as a Peer Support Specialist in community mental health settings
2. Experience with specific populations (youth, veterans, forensic, etc.)
3. Bilingual skills, particularly in Spanish or other commonly spoken languages in service area
4. Associate's or Bachelor's degree in human services, social work, or related field
5. Certified Recovery Peer Specialist (CRPS) or similar advanced certification
6. Experience with electronic health record systems
7. Knowledge of local community resources and support services
8. Experience facilitating both in-person and virtual peer support groups
9. Training in crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques
10. Understanding of trauma-informed care principles
Bonus Skills
1. WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) facilitation certification
2. Experience with peer-led crisis respite or warm line services
3. NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) program facilitation training
4. Certified Family Peer Specialist credentials
5. Experience with peer support in integrated care settings
6. Technology proficiency for virtual peer support delivery
7. Grant writing or program development experience for peer-run organizations
8. Public speaking experience for mental health advocacy and education
9. Specialized training in specific modalities (DBT, CBT, mindfulness)
10. Experience mentoring or training new peer support specialists
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