Peer Support Specialist

Pay Starting at $18.00 hourly Based on experience
Location: Cottonwood AZ

Position Overview

Spectrum Healthcare is seeking a Peer Support Specialist to support adults living with serious mental illness (SMI) in their recovery journey. This role uses lived experience, encouragement, and recovery-focused support to help individuals build confidence, develop independent living skills, and work toward their personal goals.

The Peer Support Specialist works under professional supervision and helps clients connect with community resources, strengthen support systems, and actively participate in their treatment and recovery.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide recovery-oriented support, training, outreach, and encouragement to individuals and groups.
• Use appropriate personal recovery experiences to inspire hope, self-determination, and independence.
• Help clients identify personal goals and participate actively in their treatment and recovery plans.
• Assist clients with daily living skills, independent living skills, and community integration.
• Support clients in developing Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP) and other recovery planning tools.
• Advocate for client needs, rights, and access to services.
• Assist with developing and implementing Behavioral Health Service Plans in coordination with the treatment team.
• Maintain accurate client progress notes and documentation.
• Collaborate with case managers, therapists, and other behavioral health professionals regarding client progress and needs.
• Help clients identify community resources and develop positive support systems.
• Assist with group activities, including daily living skills, leisure, and recreational activities.
• Provide transportation to and from client services when required.
• Recognize potential behavioral health crises and communicate concerns promptly to the appropriate clinical staff.
• Participate in supervision, staff meetings, required training, and professional development.
• Maintain client confidentiality and comply with agency policies, safety standards, and applicable regulations.
• Work flexible hours as needed and perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Must have lived experience as a recipient of mental health services, as defined by applicable Arizona requirements.
• Must have completed Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) training and Peer Employment Training, or be willing to complete both when the next training opportunities are available.
• Valid Arizona driver's license and a clean driving record.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an Arizona Level 1 fingerprint clearance card.
• Current American Heart Association-approved CPR and First Aid certification for healthcare providers, or the ability to obtain and maintain the required certifications.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Understanding of recovery-oriented care and the importance of client choice, independence, and self-determination.
• Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with clients, families, and team members.
• Knowledge of daily living skills, independent living skills, and community resources.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and protect confidential information.
• Basic computer skills and the ability to complete accurate documentation.
• Ability to recognize signs of a behavioral health crisis and follow appropriate response procedures.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team.
• Cultural awareness and the ability to work respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, meet productivity expectations, and work effectively under pressure.

Physical and Work Requirements

The position requires the ability to sit for extended periods, travel between locations, occasionally lift at least 15 pounds, communicate in person and by telephone, and use a computer. Employees must be able to read, write, and speak English fluently and perform essential job functions in a setting that may involve stress, time constraints, and occasional emergencies.

Spectrum Healthcare provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals who need them to perform essential job functions.

Confidentiality and Professional Standards

The Peer Support Specialist must protect confidential client and employee information and follow applicable federal and state laws, agency policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements.

This job description summarizes the primary responsibilities and qualifications of the position. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.