Peer Support Professional

Job Description

Job Description

About Us

Appalachian Community Services provides Mental Health, Behavioral Health, Substance Use, and Developmental Disability services to individuals, families, and communities within the seven western counties of North Carolina. We provide a wide range of walk-in, psychiatric, substance abuse, and crisis services to adults and children.

About the Role

As a Peer Support Specialist on our Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team, you will use your lived experience and recovery journey to inspire hope, build meaningful connections, and support individuals as they work toward their personal goals. As a valued member of a multidisciplinary team, you will help individuals develop skills, strengthen natural supports, navigate community resources, and overcome barriers to recovery. This unique role allows you to share your experience in a way that promotes empowerment, self-determination, and the belief that recovery is possible.

• Assist program participants in the development of skills, confidence, and relationships as they resume independent living
• Assisting consumers in articulating personal goals for recovery;
• Provide direct peer counseling based on your own lived experiences
• Help participants understand and employ recovery strategies
• Assisting consumers in determining the objectives the consumers needs to take in order to reach their recovery goals;
• Assisting with setting up self-help groups;
• Teaching problem solving skills;
• Teaching how to identify and overcome fears;
• Supporting vocational choices;
• Assisting in building social skills;
• Attending treatment team meetings;
• Role modeling recovery experience;
• Assisting with housing;
• Identifying self-help strategies

This description outlines the general scope and level of work for this role. It is not intended to include every duty or responsibility that may be required of employees in this position.

Compensation

Competitive hourly pay aligned with your role, experience, and contribution, with opportunities for growth over time.

• Compensation: $17.33 - $22.25

Placement within the range is based on licensure level, education, and experience.

What You Can Expect

• Consistent referral volume and established patient base
• Administrative and scheduling support
• Flexible scheduling options
• Supportive clinical and operational leadership
• Opportunities to build your preferred clinical focus areas
• Streamlined onboarding and credentialing support

Responsibilities

• Provide individual, family, and/or group therapy sessions
• Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation
• Collaborate with care teams as needed
• Maintain compliance with all clinical and regulatory standards
• Participate in supervision (if applicable based on licensure level)

Qualifications

• Highschool Diploma or GED
• Must be a Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) in North Carolina.
• Personal experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery is required, with the ability to share lived experiences as part of client support.
• Strong communication and advocacy skills.
• Commitment to upholding the principles of the ACT model and person-centered care.

Why Join Us

We are focused on creating a model where clinicians are supported, not overloaded. You'll have the flexibility to shape your schedule, the support to maintain a steady caseload, and the opportunity to grow within a stable, mission-driven organization.

Beyond the engaging work, you'll also benefit from our competitive benefits package to support you and your loved ones, provide work/life balance, and invest in your future. The list below is for informational purposes only.

• Consumer-driven health plan coverage provided by Anthem
• Wellness: When you enroll in a medical plan, you get complete care support on your time through Sydney app (Anthem), with exclusive access to 24/7 access to licensed doctors, therapists, and psychiatrists.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flex Spending Account (FSA)
• Two dental plan options available through Delta Dental, so you can choose the level of coverage that fits your needs and budget.
• Affordable vision plan available through EyeMed to keep your eyes healthy and your vision sharp.
• An optional Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account to reimburse yourself on a pre-tax basis for childcare.
• Generous paid time off
• 401k or Roth IRA Retirement Programs administered by Empower
• Financial planning and education services at no cost to you
• Voluntary supplemental benefits (Accident, Critical Illness, Short-Term Disability)
• Educational Assistance (your position, date of hire and years of service determine your eligibility)
• Licensure Residency Program for Full-time Clinical Staff
• Advancement and Career Development Opportunities

Legal Notice:

We are an equal opportunity employer. Employment is at-will and contingent upon successful completion of background checks and credential verification. We participate in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility in the United States. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Must be authorized to work in the United States. Compensation varies based on licensure, experience, and caseload. ncgCARE and all partner affiliates maintain a drug-free workplace.