Peer Support Specialist

Certified Peer Support Specialist

The Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) provides recovery-oriented peer support services to women receiving residential substance use disorder treatment. Utilizing lived experience in recovery, the CPSS serves as a mentor, role model, advocate, educator, and motivator while promoting hope, self-determination, wellness, and long-term recovery.

The CPSS assists participants in developing recovery skills, navigating community resources, building healthy support systems, increasing recovery capital, and preparing for successful community reintegration. Services are provided in accordance with organizational policies, ethical guidelines, state certification standards, and trauma-informed, person-centered care principles.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Recovery Support Services

• Provide individual peer support and recovery coaching.
• Facilitate peer-led recovery groups.
• Assist participants in identifying personal recovery goals.
• Encourage active participation in treatment services.
• Promote self-advocacy and personal responsibility.
• Share lived recovery experiences appropriately to inspire hope.
• Support participants through difficult stages of recovery.

Engagement

• Build trusting relationships with participants.
• Conduct regular recovery check-ins.
• Encourage attendance at clinical appointments.
• Assist participants in maintaining treatment engagement.
• Help reduce barriers to participation.

Recovery Planning

• Assist participants with Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP) or individualized recovery plans.
• Support discharge planning.
• Assist with transition to community recovery supports.

Community Resource Navigation

Assist participants in accessing:

• Recovery meetings
• Recovery community organizations
• Housing resources
• Employment services
• Educational opportunities
• Childcare resources
• Transportation
• Healthcare services
• Food security
• Clothing assistance

Recovery Activities

Coordinate or assist with:

• Recovery meetings
• Community recovery events
• Volunteer opportunities
• Wellness activities
• Recreational outings
• Spiritual supports, as desired
• Family engagement activities

Documentation

• Complete documentation within required timeframes, including:
• Peer Support Notes
• Recovery Plans
• Progress Notes
• Service Logs
• Monthly Activity Reports
• Recovery Goal Updates

Maintain documentation according to agency, CARF, and funding requirements.

Advocacy

• Advocate for participant choice.
• Promote person-centered services.
• Reduce stigma associated with substance use disorders.
• Encourage participant voice in treatment decisions.

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain active CPSS certification.
• Attend required training.
• Maintain personal recovery and remain substance-use free in accordance with MHFV employment and peer-support standards.
• Participate in supervision.
• Maintain professional boundaries.
• Follow confidentiality regulations, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2.
• Demonstrate ethical peer support practices.
• Maintain CPR/First Aid certification.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Active Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) certification.
• Minimum of two (2) years of sustained personal recovery from a substance use disorder.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Knowledge of recovery principles.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to work within a multidisciplinary treatment team.
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with women in recovery.
• Experience working in residential treatment.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care.
• CPR/First Aid certification.

Core Competencies

• Recovery Coaching
• Motivational Support
• Active Listening
• Professional Boundaries
• Cultural Competence
• Trauma-Informed Care
• Crisis Recognition
• Team Collaboration
• Documentation
• Community Resource Coordination
• Ethics
• Time Management