Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS)

Job Overview
A Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) uses their own lived experience to help individuals with mental health or substance use challenges navigate recovery. Key duties include providing one-on-one coaching, leading support groups, helping clients develop recovery plans, and connecting them with community resources. CPSSs are non-clinical, act as advocates, and work collaboratively with other care team members.

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Certified Peer Support Specialist at the Masters Level to join our team. In this vital role, you will serve as a compassionate guide and advocate for individuals navigating mental health, substance use, and behavioral challenges. Your lived experience combined with professional training will empower clients to achieve recovery, resilience, and hope. This position offers an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact by providing peer-led support rooted in empathy, understanding, and evidence-based practices.

Duties

• Build trusting relationships with clients by sharing your lived experience and demonstrating genuine empathy and understanding.
• Provide peer support through active listening, mentoring, and motivational interviewing techniques to foster motivation for change.
• Assist clients in developing personalized recovery plans that align with their goals and strengths.
• Collaborate with clinical staff to coordinate care plans, share insights from peer perspectives, and support treatment adherence.
• Document client interactions accurately within Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems while maintaining confidentiality and compliance with privacy standards.
• Support clients in navigating behavioral health services, addiction counseling resources, social services, and community resources.
• Engage in ongoing training related to behavioral health topics such as mental health counseling, addiction recovery, trauma-informed care, and crisis response protocols.

Skills

• Strong knowledge of crisis intervention techniques and crisis management strategies to de-escalate situations effectively.
• Deep understanding of behavioral health issues, including mental health disorders and substance use challenges.
• Proven ability to mentor individuals through recovery journeys with patience and motivation.
• Experience in addiction counseling or related social work fields is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to employ motivational interviewing techniques that inspire positive change.
• Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems for accurate documentation of client interactions.
• Ability to handle sensitive situations with professionalism, compassion, and cultural competence.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple client needs while adhering to confidentiality standards.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $50.00 per hour

Work Location: In person