Peer Support Specialist

Peer Support Specialist Opportunity

First Step House is Hiring a Peer Support Specialist in Salt Lake City, Utah | Full Time

If you are passionate about recovery and want to use your own lived experience to support others, we'd love to have you join our team as a Peer Support Specialist.

As a Peer Support Specialist, you'll work directly with individuals in our residential programs, providing encouragement, connection, and practical support as they work toward recovery. You'll help clients recognize their strengths, build healthy routines, connect with their community, and develop the skills they need to move forward.

This is an opportunity to do meaningful work every day while being part of a team that believes recovery is possible and everyone deserves the opportunity to build a meaningful life.

MUST BE A UTAH-CERTIFIED PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST TO APPLY

Pay: $44,000 per year

Schedule: Flexible swing shifts, including weekends

Work Week: 36 hours per week!

Why First Step House?

Ready to leave the 40+ hour workweek behind? Our standardized 36-hour workweek gives you more time for the things that matter outside of work while still allowing you to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Full-time employees also receive:

• Robust paid time off program with enhanced benefits as you grow with us
• 15 paid holidays each year, including your birthday
• 401(k) employer match
• Opportunity for annual merit increases and annual bonuses
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance

What You'll Do

As a Peer Support Specialist, you'll be an important part of our residential treatment team. Your day-to-day work may include:

• Build supportive, respectful relationships with clients while maintaining healthy professional boundaries.
• Provide peer-based support and encouragement throughout the recovery process.
• Help clients develop Wellness Recovery Action Plans and identify personal goals and strengths.
• Support clients in navigating challenges, managing difficult situations, and staying engaged in treatment.
• Help create a safe and supportive residential environment, including assisting with de-escalation and responding to emergencies when needed.
• Connect clients with community resources, recovery groups, sober recreation, volunteer opportunities, and other meaningful activities.
• Encourage clients to participate in sober activities, including community events and sober sports.
• Communicate client needs and observations with clinical and case management teams.
• Support clients in following program expectations and address concerns as they arise.
• Work collaboratively with program managers, therapists, case managers, and other members of the treatment team.
• Use recovery-oriented approaches and become familiar with First Step House's core treatment modalities, including Motivational Interviewing (MI), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), and Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT).
• Attend required trainings, meetings, and team activities.
• Complete required documentation and maintain organizational expectations for productivity.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for someone who is compassionate, dependable, and genuinely passionate about helping others. The ideal candidate:

• Has personal experience with recovery and a desire to support others on their own recovery journey.
• Builds trust and positive relationships with clients.
• Communicates effectively and works well as part of a team.
• Can maintain appropriate professional boundaries while advocating for clients.
• Is comfortable working with individuals experiencing substance use and mental health challenges.
• Can remain calm and supportive during difficult or challenging situations.
• Demonstrates an Outward Mindset and treats clients and coworkers with dignity and respect.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or associate degree required.
• Active Utah Certified Peer Support Specialist certification required.
• Experience working in substance use disorder and/or mental health treatment is preferred.
• Experience supporting individuals in a residential or recovery setting is a plus

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.