Peer Specialist

Peer Specialist

Location: Poplar Bluff, MO

Department: Recovery Services

Employment Type: Full-time

Job Summary: Join our compassionate, collaborative team and make a meaningful difference by using lived experience to support others on their recovery journey. This role offers the chance to empower individuals, foster resilience, build community connections, support goal achievement, and contribute to a strengths-based treatment environment. We seek a dependable, empathetic communicator who models healthy boundaries and recovery skills.

The Peer Specialist provides peer-driven rehabilitation and recovery support through individual and group services, assists participants in developing and achieving treatment goals, coordinates referrals and community resources, documents services per state/CARF standards, and participates in staffing and transition planning to ensure continuity of care.

This position offers:

• Employee Assistance Program – 24/7 counseling services, legal assistance, & financial consultation for you and your household at no cost
• Mileage Reimbursement – Company paid for work functions requiring travel
• Employee Discounts – Hotels, Theme Parks & Attractions, College Tuition
• Workplace Culture – An environment cultivating employee wellbeing, valuing each individual's humanity, and actively promoting a healthy, joyful workforce
• Additional Perks & Benefits – Scroll down to bottom of this post to learn more

Key Responsibilities:

• Facilitate individual and group peer support to promote recovery skills, resilience, and community integration
• Assist participants in developing, implementing, and achieving individualized treatment and recovery plans
• Coordinate referrals and connect clients with community resources, mutual-aid groups, and necessary medical or social services
• Maintain regular communication with referral sources, guardians, and team members regarding progress, transition planning, and clinical concerns
• Participate in staffing and interdisciplinary meetings to ensure continuity of care
• Provide crisis intervention and behavioral management as needed
• Arrange scheduling and transportation assistance for treatment appointments
• Represent the agency professionally in community and interagency contacts
• Document all services and interactions accurately in accordance with state and CARF standards
• Obtain and maintain required trainings (36 hours every 2 years) and complete assigned agency training modules

Education, Experience, and/or Credential Qualifications:

• Self-identify as a present or former recipient of mental health or substance use services OR as a person in recovery from mental health or substance use disorder
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Be at least 21 years of age
• Complete a state-approved peer specialist training program and, if required, pass the standardized examination
• Pass background check or request an exception when applicable
• Missouri-specific: Complete application at and, if required, complete a 5-Day Basic Training Program and pass the State of Missouri approved certification examination within six months

Additional Qualifications:

• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and acceptable driving record if job duties require travel
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills; ability to produce clear, concise reports
• Knowledge of community resources, case management and rehabilitation principles related to mental health and substance use disorders
• Ability to share lived experience effectively while maintaining healthy boundaries
• Preferred: experience in peer support, group facilitation, or related human services roles

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to transport self to community locations and partner agencies as needed
• Capacity to participate in group sessions and occasional extended periods of standing or sitting

Position Perks & Benefits:

• Paid time off: full-time employees receive an attractive time off package to balance your work and personal life
• Employee benefits package: full-time employees receive health, dental, vision, retirement, life, & more
• Top-notch training: initial, ongoing, comprehensive, and supportive
• Career mobility: advancement opportunities/promoting from within
• Welcoming, warm, supportive: a work culture & environment that promotes your well-being, values you as human being, and encourages your health and happiness

Brightli is on a Mission:

A mission to improve client care, reduce the financial burden of community mental health centers by sharing resources, a mission to have a larger voice in advocacy to increase access to mental health and substance user care in our communities, and a mission to evolve the behavioral health industry to better meet the needs of our clients.

As a behavioral and community mental health provider, we prioritize fostering a culture of belonging and connection within our workforce. We encourage applications from individuals with varied backgrounds and experiences, as we believe that a rich tapestry of perspectives strengthens our mission. If you are passionate about empowering local communities and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, we invite you to join our mission-driven organization dedicated to cultivating an authentic workplace.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health is a Smoke and Tobacco Free Workplace.