Certified Peer Specialist (Bilingual Spanish/English)

About APM

Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha (APM) has been helping families achieve their greatest potential since 1970 by providing early childhood education, foster care & adoption, child welfare, mental & behavioral health, community and economic development, housing, and community school services to the North Philadelphia communities.

Salary: $20-22 per hour depending on experience

Department: Behavioral Health

Job Type: Full Time (5 days a week, 40 hours in total), Non-Exempt (pays overtime)

Work Schedule and Locations

• 4301 Rising Sun Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19140 – Open Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–3:30 PM or 8:30 AM–5:00 PM and Saturday, 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
• 3265 N Front Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140 – Open Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–6:00 PM; Saturday, 7:30 AM–4:00 PM and Saturday, 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

JOB SUMMARY

The Peer Specialist is a recovery-oriented team member who draws on lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery to provide support, advocacy, and mentorship to individuals on their recovery journey. Working collaboratively with clinical and support staff, the Peer Specialist helps clients build self-advocacy skills, connect with resources, and achieve personal goals that promote independence, wellness, and community integration.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide one-on-one peer support, using personal recovery experiences to build trust, offer hope, and empower clients.
• Facilitate and co-lead peer support groups and recovery-focused activities.
• Assist clients in developing and following individualized recovery plans.
• Help clients access behavioral health, substance use, housing, employment, and other community resources.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to communicate client needs, strengths, and progress.
• Support clients with crisis planning, relapse prevention, and early intervention strategies.
• Promote self-advocacy, resilience, and informed decision-making.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the electronic health record (EHR).
• Participate in team meetings, training, and professional development.
• Foster a welcoming, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive environment.
• Other duties as assigned

BENEFITS

• Independence Administrators Medical Insurance Plan or $100/month Reimbursement with Proof of Current Plan
• Livongo for Diabetes Prevention, Hypertension, and Weight Management (Only for Employees Who Elect Our Medical Insurance)
• Sword, A Virtual Physical Care Program for Back, Joint, and Muscle Pain (Only for Employees Who Elect Our Medical Insurance)
• WondrHealth for Weight Management (Only for Employees Who Elect Our Medical Insurance)
• Sun Life Financial Insurance Plans for Dental, Vision, Life and AD&D, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity
• Basic Life Insurance (100% Employer Funded)
• Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurances
• 403B Retirement Plan through Mutual of America
• Flexible Spending Accounts for Health, Childcare, Public Transportation, and Parking Expenses through The Harrison Group
• AllOne Health Employee Assistance Program at No Cost
• Employee Referral Program (You Can Earn Up to $600)
• 20 Days of Paid Time Off include Illness, Vacation, Appointments, and Emergencies
• 12 Days of Paid Holidays

Requirements

• Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) credential required.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is required to effectively communicate with clients and families
• High school diploma or GED (post-secondary education preferred).
• Lived experience of recovery from mental health and/or substance use challenges and a willingness to share that experience to support others.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport across diverse populations.
• Strong documentation, organizational, and time management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team setting while managing responsibilities independently.
• Knowledge of Philadelphia-area community resources.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.
• Local travel required.
• Commitment to confidentiality, ethical practice, and professional boundaries.
• Experience in behavioral health, substance use, or related human services.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed and recovery-oriented practices.