The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) is a key member of our team at Love and Respect Community for Recovery and Wellness, a Peer Support-run recovery community organization. This Peer Support Specialist role offers a fulfilling opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals on their recovery journeys.
This role involves providing support, encouragement, and mentorship to individuals facing substance use and mental health challenges. The Peer Support Specialist will engage with individuals using lived experience and offer guidance toward recovery and wellness.
The ideal candidate is someone with a personal history of overcoming mental health or substance use challenges and who is certified as a North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist (NCCPS). The role requires a compassionate, empathetic, and proactive individual committed to supporting others in their recovery journey.
Key Responsibilities:
Peer Support:
o Provide emotional, social, and practical support to individuals seeking recovery,
using shared lived experiences to build rapport and trust.
o Offer individual and group support sessions, ensuring a safe, respectful
environment for clients.
o Foster peer relationships to encourage mutual support, trust, and community.
Recovery Coaching:
o Assist individuals in setting personal recovery goals, offering guidance on how to
navigate recovery challenges.
o Help individuals with practical aspects of recovery, such as connecting with
services, obtaining resources, and establishing a strong support network.
o Provide crisis management support when needed, including de-escalation
techniques and referrals to emergency services when appropriate.
Education & Advocacy:
o Provide educational resources to clients regarding recovery, wellness, mental
health, and substance use.
o Advocate for clients to access community resources, benefits, and services to aid
their recovery journey.
o Promote recovery-oriented practices within the community.
Program Participation:
o Participate in team meetings to discuss client progress, share feedback, and
collaborate on program improvements.
o Record and maintain detailed documentation of services provided in accordance
with the organization & policies and confidentiality standards.
Self-Care and Professional Development:
o Engage in ongoing professional development to enhance peer support skills,
including attending relevant workshops and maintaining certification.
o Model self-care practices and promote wellness in a manner that encourages
others to prioritize their health and recovery.
Common Duties:
Engage clients in individual and group peer support sessions.
Assist with the development of individualized recovery plans.
Provide follow-up support to ensure clients are connected with the resources they need.
Participate in educational workshops and outreach events to promote wellness and
recovery.
Maintain accurate documentation and progress reports on client interactions.
Ensure confidentiality and adherence to ethical standards in all interactions with clients.
Expected Behaviors:
Empathy & Compassion:
o Approach each client with understanding, compassion, and respect for their
unique recovery journey.
o Demonstrate patience and kindness in all client interactions, creating an
environment of trust.
Professionalism:
o Maintain professionalism in both internal and external communications.
o Model integrity, accountability, and respect in all aspects of the role.
Teamwork:
o Collaborate effectively with colleagues, supervisors, and community partners to
enhance service delivery and client outcomes.
o Share insights and experiences that contribute to program improvements and the
team’s success.
Self-Advocacy & Growth:
o Engage in ongoing professional development to enhance peer support skills,
including attending relevant workshops and maintaining certification.
o Model self-care practices and promote wellness in a manner that encourages
others to prioritize their health and recovery.
Eligibility Criteria:
Certification:
o Must be a North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist (NCCPSS).
o Certification must be maintained through ongoing professional development and
training.
Experience:
o Lived experience with mental health or substance use recovery is required.
o Previous experience in a peer support or similar recovery-based role is preferred.
Skills & Competencies:
o Strong interpersonal communication skills, including active listening and
empathetic responses.
o Ability to set boundaries and manage relationships with clients and colleagues.
o Experience in crisis intervention and conflict resolution.
o Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
o Organizational and time management skills, with the ability to maintain accurate
and confidential records.
Physical & Emotional Requirements:
o Ability to maintain physical stamina and emotional resilience to manage the
demands of the role.
o Ability to work with diverse populations, including those experiencing trauma
and crisis situations.
Work Conditions:
Schedule:
o Flexible schedule required. Third shift and weekend availability required
Location:
o Primarily based at the Love and Respect Community for Recovery and Wellness
Center in Hendersonville, NC, with occasional outreach events in the community.
Job Type: Full-time
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid time off
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Evening shift
- Night shift
- Rotating weekends
- Weekends as needed
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person