Peer Support Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

At McLeod Centers for Wellbeing, our mission is to build a foundation of healing and hope based on equity, education, and evidence-based practice for all communities. A nonprofit founded in 1969 in Charlotte, North Carolina, we have since grown to be one of the largest providers of comprehensive substance use disorder treatment in western North Carolina. From initial assessment to customized aftercare, McLeod Centers provides compassionate, steadfast support for our patients’ journey to recovery. We are looking for passionate people to join our team!  

McLeod Centers for Wellbeing is seeking a Part-time Certified Peer Support Specialist to join our Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) clinic in Hickory, NC.  

How will you help us achieve our mission? You will:  

• Work with licensed and non-licensed clinical staff to identify areas of need for patients and develop appropriate interventions within the framework of the patient’s PCP. 
• Facilitate engagement of the person served with natural supports in the community, such as self-help community support groups (Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, etc.) and community agencies such as the Department of Social Services, Health Department, Vocational Rehabilitation, etc. 
• Conduct all services in a manner that promotes patient welfare through maintaining positive attributes of calmness, trust, reassurance, affirmation, and hope. 
• Maintain a flexible schedule to maintain productivity and assist patients within a timeframe that suits their needs, including after-hours activities such as attendance of 12-step meetings. 
• Manage and monitor the caseload of active treatment for patients. 
• Assist with the intake process, including initial screening, demographic information gathering, and review of intake documentation. 
• Orient new patients to McLeod Centers for Wellbeing. 
• Identify crisis situations for patients and obtain assistance in resolving these situations. 

What are the qualifications needed for this role?

• Minimum High School Diploma or GED equivalent.  
• Current credential as a North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist  
• Proficiency with standard Microsoft Office software (Outlook, SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams, etc.).

What we offer you as an employee: 

• Balanced Lifestyle: Enjoy a 37.5-hour work week to support a better work/life balance, with most programs closing at noon and employees off by 12:30pm. Have your afternoons free!
• Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage: Access medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) options.
• Employer Paid Benefits: Benefit from 100% employer-paid benefits, including short and long-term disability, group term life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Financial Security: Secure your future with a 401(k) plan, with company matches up to 3% after 90 days of employment.
• Generous Leave Policies: Enjoy paid time off, sick leave accrual, and additional benefits such as bereavement, jury duty, and parent-child educational leave.
• Holiday Benefits: Celebrate 9 paid observed holidays and receive 1 floating holiday to use at your convenience. You will also receive a paid day off during your birthday month as our way of recognizing and celebrating you as a valued member of our team.
• Student Loan Forgiveness: As an employee for a non-profit organization, you qualify for Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) to assist with your student loans.
• Continuous Growth Opportunities: Invest in your professional development with ongoing support and free continuing education opportunities across multiple disciplines. We also offer top-tier individual and group clinical supervision for professionals seeking CADC and LCAS licensures.
• SUD Professional Licensure: McLeod Centers pays for initial CADC certification or LCAS licensure, including the application fee, background check fee, board registration fee, initial exam fee, and all supervision requirements. 

Bilingual applicants will receive an additional five percent (5%) pay differential, subject to verification of language proficiency.

Work Environment

This role operates in a typical office setting with ambient noise levels. Frequent communication with colleagues, clients, and external professionals is expected. Regular activities include desk work, walking, and using the telephone and computer. Occasional travel to other work locations may be requested, and the role may involve lifting up to 25 lbs. McLeod is committed to maintaining high health and safety standards across all its locations. 

Research indicates that women and underrepresented groups tend to apply for jobs only when they believe they meet 100% of the qualifications. At McLeod Centers, we encourage you to challenge this statistic and apply. It's rare for anyone to meet every qualification. We look forward to hearing from you!