Peer Support Specialist

Job Summary We are seeking a compassionate and energetic Peer Support Specialist to empower individuals navigating behavioral health challenges. In this vital role, you will serve as a relatable guide, offering peer-led support, mentorship, and crisis intervention to foster recovery and resilience. Your lived experience combined with professional skills will help create a safe, encouraging environment where clients feel understood, motivated, and supported on their journey toward mental wellness. This paid position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people's lives while working within a dynamic, team-oriented setting. Responsibilities Provide empathetic peer support to individuals experiencing mental health or substance use challenges, utilizing your personal recovery experience to inspire hope and motivation. Assist clients in developing coping strategies and engaging in behavioral health and addiction counseling techniques tailored to their unique needs. Conduct crisis intervention and crisis management when clients are in distress, ensuring safety and stabilization through active listening and de-escalation techniques. Mentor clients by fostering trust, encouraging goal setting, and promoting engagement with treatment plans and community resources. Collaborate with clinical teams to coordinate care plans, document progress using Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems, and track client outcomes accurately. Utilize motivational interviewing skills to empower clients to make positive behavioral changes and sustain recovery efforts. Support clients in navigating social services, housing, employment resources, and other community supports vital for holistic well-being. Maintain confidentiality and adhere to all privacy regulations while documenting interactions and interventions thoroughly. Qualifications Lived experience with mental health conditions or substance use recovery that qualifies you as a peer supporter; certification or training is preferred but not mandatory. Strong skills in crisis intervention and crisis management with the ability to remain calm under pressure. Knowledge of behavioral health principles, mental health counseling techniques, addiction counseling, and social work practices. Experience with motivational interviewing methods that foster client engagement and empowerment. Familiarity with Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems for documentation purposes. Excellent mentoring abilities with a compassionate approach that builds trust and rapport. Effective communication skills-active listening, empathy, clarity-and the ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams. Ability to handle sensitive situations discreetly while maintaining professionalism at all times. Join us as a Peer Support Specialist if you're passionate about making a tangible difference in people's lives through shared experience, active support, and unwavering encouragement! Job Type: Full-time Pay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour Education: High school or equivalent (Preferred) License/Certification: CERTIFIED PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST (Required) Ability to Commute: Mount Airy, NC 27030 (Required) Ability to Relocate: Mount Airy, NC 27030: Relocate before starting work (Required) Willingness to travel: 50% (Preferred) Work Location: Hybrid remote in Mount Airy, NC 27030