Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist

Paugus Bay Behavioral Health – Laconia, New Hampshire

Join a Team That's Changing Lives

At Paugus Bay Behavioral Health Outpatient, we believe recovery is possible for everyone. Our mission is to provide compassionate, evidence-based care that helps individuals and families overcome substance use and co-occurring mental health challenges while building healthier futures.

We are seeking a Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist to join our growing outpatient team in Laconia, New Hampshire. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about recovery, peer support, advocacy, and helping others navigate their journey toward wellness. Using lived experience, recovery-oriented support, and trauma-informed approaches, the CRSW serves as a trusted mentor and guide for individuals participating in Intensive Outpatient (IOP) and Outpatient (OP) treatment services.

We are specifically seeking candidates who either currently hold a New Hampshire CRSW certification or have completed all required training and application requirements and are eligible to sit for the CRSW certification exam. Preference will be given to candidates who are certified or certification-ready at the time of hire.

Position Summary

The CPRSS provides person-centered, recovery-oriented support to individuals enrolled in Intensive Outpatient (IOP) and Outpatient (OP) services. This role utilizes lived experience, motivational support, and trauma-informed communication to help clients strengthen recovery capital, improve wellness, overcome barriers, and remain engaged in treatment and recovery.

The Peer Recovery Support Specialist collaborates closely with clinical, medical, and case management teams to support continuity of care, encourage personal growth, and empower individuals throughout their recovery journey.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Peer Support & Recovery Coaching

• Provide one-on-one peer support services to individuals participating in IOP and OP programs.
• Complete needs assessments and assist participants in developing individualized recovery and wellness plans.
• Offer mentorship, encouragement, active listening, and recovery-oriented guidance through trauma-informed and person-centered approaches.
• Connect individuals with recovery resources, self-help groups, mutual aid meetings, and community supports.
• Educate clients on addiction, relapse prevention, wellness planning, coping skills, and multiple pathways to recovery.
• Support participants in building recovery capital, strengthening social supports, and developing life-management skills.

Group Facilitation & Programming

• Facilitate or co-facilitate IOP and recovery-focused groups.
• Support educational programming related to recovery skills, relapse prevention, wellness, and life management.
• Assist with planning and delivering group content that complements clinical treatment goals.
• Foster psychologically safe and trauma-informed group environments.

Care Coordination

• Collaborate with therapists, medical providers, case managers, and multidisciplinary team members to ensure coordinated care.
• Assist individuals with accessing housing, employment, transportation, legal services, healthcare, and other community resources.
• Support transitions between levels of care when clinically appropriate.
• Encourage engagement in community-based recovery supports and reduce barriers to participation.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate, timely, and HIPAA-compliant documentation.
• Document peer support encounters, group participation, referrals, follow-up activities, and changes in client status.
• Adhere to all applicable state regulations, 42 CFR Part 2 requirements, agency policies, and Joint Commission standards.
• Follow organizational policies related to safety, client communication, professional boundaries, and emergency procedures.

Collaboration & Professional Conduct

• Participate actively in team meetings, case reviews, and multidisciplinary treatment planning.
• Receive and engage in required supervision consistent with New Hampshire CRSW standards.
• Maintain professional boundaries and uphold ethical peer support practices.
• Promote a positive, recovery-focused environment aligned with organizational values and mission.

Professional Development

• Maintain all certification requirements and continuing education obligations.
• Participate in ongoing training related to peer recovery support, trauma-informed care, ethics, motivational interviewing, and client engagement.
• Contribute to quality improvement initiatives and program development efforts.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Current Certified Recovery Support Worker (CRSW) credential through the New Hampshire Board of Licensing for Alcohol and Other Drug Use Professionals strongly preferred.
• Candidates who have completed all required CRSW training and application requirements and are eligible to sit for the CRSW examination are highly encouraged to apply.
• Demonstrated personal recovery experience with a commitment to ongoing wellness and recovery.
• Knowledge of addiction, recovery pathways, harm reduction, peer support ethics, and trauma-informed care principles.
• Strong communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary treatment team.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to obtain First Aid/CPR certification within 30 days of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in substance use disorder treatment, behavioral health, recovery support services, or community-based programs.
• Training or experience in:
  • Trauma-Informed Care
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Relapse Prevention
  • Group Facilitation
  • Co-Occurring Disorders
  • Case Management and Community Resource Navigation

Why Join Paugus Bay Outpatient?

• Make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and families seeking recovery.
• Work alongside a dedicated and compassionate multidisciplinary team.
• Utilize your lived experience to inspire hope and empower others.
• Receive ongoing support, supervision, and professional development opportunities.
• Enjoy a stable Monday–Friday daytime schedule.
• Grow your career within a mission-driven organization committed to recovery, wellness, and clinical excellence.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Schedule

• Full-time, hourly position
• Monday through Friday
• 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
• No weekends required
• Consistent daytime schedule
• Occasional flexibility may be needed to support client and program needs

Equal Opportunity Employer

Paugus Bay Behavioral Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity, inclusion, and belonging. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where every employee can thrive and contribute to our mission of helping people recover, heal, and rebuild their lives.