Peer Support Specialist

We are launching a brand-new program in Livingston, Louisiana , and seeking a Certified Peer Support Specialist to help shape its success. At Merakey, we take a whole-person approach, integrating behavioral and physical care to help patients achieve overall wellness. Our interdisciplinary team provides compassionate, evidence-based care in a collaborative and inclusive environment. This role is perfect for a professional passionate about holistic healthcare, bridging mental and physical health services, and working within a multidisciplinary team.

The Peer Support Specialist plays a vital role in providing recovery-focused support to individuals navigating mental health and/or substance use challenges in a clinic setting. Drawing from their own lived experience in recovery, the Peer Support Specialist offers hope, advocacy, and practical guidance while empowering others on their path toward wellness.

• Use personal lived experience with mental health and/or substance use challenges to provide meaningful, recovery-oriented support to individuals.
• Apply active listening and strong interpersonal skills to build trust, offer encouragement, and foster a sense of connection with those served.
• Maintain clear and professional boundaries while handling sensitive and confidential information responsibly.
• Collaborate with clinical and support teams to ensure individuals receive holistic, person-centered care.
• Utilize computer systems and Electronic Health Records (EHR) to document interactions, track progress, and support communication across the care team.
• Engage in continued learning and certification processes as needed to uphold Peer Support Specialist standards and best practices.

This role is ideal for someone passionate about supporting others through their recovery journey while promoting empowerment, resilience, and community connection.

Starting rate of $21.91 hour + mileage reimbursement

Location: 20140 Iowa St., #127, Livingston, LA 70754

Benefits

Merakey offers generous benefits that promote well-being, financial security, and work-life balance, including:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus access to healthcare advocacy support.
• Retirement plan -- both pre-tax and Roth (after-tax) options available for employee contributions.
• DailyPay -- access your pay when you need it!
• On the Goga well-being platform, featuring self-care tools and resources.
• Access Care.com for backup childcare, elder care, and household services.
• Confidential counseling, legal, and financial services through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Tuition reimbursement and educational partnerships.
• Employee discounts and savings programs on entertainment, travel, and lifestyle.
• Access to Pryor Online Learning for free online personal development classes.

Learn more about our full benefits package -

About Merakey

Merakey is a non-profit provider of developmental, behavioral health, and education services. More than 8,000 employees provide support to nearly 40,000 individuals and families throughout 12 states across the country each year. Click here to watch a video about Merakey. Merakey strictly follows a zero-tolerance policy for abuse.

Merakey is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer! We deeply value diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, ethnic background, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or disability status. Moreover, we are committed to creating teams that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and encourage applicants from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. Merakey welcomes all Veterans to apply!

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Certification as a Peer Support Specialist, or willingness to obtain certification upon hire.

Preferred Experience:

• Basic computer skills required; experience with electronic health records (EHR) is preferred.

Please note: The Louisiana Department of Health , which oversees the certification process, requires individuals to have personal lived experience with mental health and/or substance use challenges and to demonstrate a minimum of 12 months in recovery . This is a requirement of the certifying body.