CERTIFIED PEER SPECIALIST

Job Description

Job Description

Certified Peer Specialist

Full-Time

Pay Rate 17.28/hour

Reports To: Program Director / Unit Director

Position Summary

Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) services consist of providing peer support, advocacy, and coping skill development, as well as sharing relevant recovery information with Persons in Recovery (PIRs). The CPS performs a wide range of tasks to assist PIRs in regaining control over their own recovery process. Essential responsibilities include fostering natural supports, encouraging social integration within the community, and supporting the management of symptoms that challenge individual wellness.

Essential Duties and Functions

• Peer Support & Advocacy: Deliver peer support services including direct education, advocacy, and active outreach to foster engagement in the treatment process.

• Recovery Education: Provide recovery support education to enrolled individuals, agency staff, and family members. Facilitate Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP), self-help/mutual peer support groups, and orientation sessions for new enrollees and team members.

• Person-Centered Support: Support person-centered interventions as outlined in the individual service plans for every person served.

• Group Facilitation: Facilitate group sessions as appropriate, including WRAP, Recovery Support Groups, Community Meetings, and Symptoms & Coping Skills workshops.

• Independent Living & Community Integration: Assist individuals in preparing for independent living and developing community-based natural support systems.

• Documentation & Compliance: Complete all required service documentation accurately and in a timely manner according to agency policy.

• Personal Wellness Modeling: Maintain personal physical, mental, and emotional well-being to ensure appropriate job performance and model healthy functioning for PIRs.

• Additional Duties: Perform other recovery-focused tasks as assigned by the leadership team.

Qualifications

• Certification: Active Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) Certification.

• Education: High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

• Experience: Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with individuals in mental health recovery.

• Continuing Education: Maintain at least 18 credit hours of continuing education/training annually.

Working Conditions & Physical RequirementsWorking Conditions

• Environment: Typical healthcare or community services setting.

• Special Conditions: May involve field-based travel or home visits depending on program needs.

Physical Requirements

• Physical Demand Level: Medium Work — Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

• Essential Physical Functions:

  • Frequent standing, sitting, and walking.

  • Speaking and hearing to effectively communicate, converse, and exchange information with individuals and team members.

  • Visual acuity to detect, inspect, and assess client needs and documentation.

  • Use of hands and fingers to operate computer equipment and manage documentation.

  • Occasional reaching, stooping, kneeling, or crouching as needed.

Reporting Relationships

• Direct Supervisor: Unit Director / Program Director