CERTIFIED PEER SPECIALIST JOB DESCRIPTION TEMPLATE

A Certified Peer Specialist is someone who has lived it. That personal history of navigating mental health or substance use conditions - and reaching a sustainable place of recovery - is not incidental to the work; it is the primary qualification. This role sits within behavioral health programs, community psychiatric rehabilitation teams, and inpatient or outpatient treatment settings, where state certification as a Peer Specialist and adherence to confidentiality standards under HIPAA and agency-specific compliance regimes govern daily practice. The Certified Peer Specialist develops Wellness Recovery Action Plans with individuals, facilitates recovery-focused groups, and serves as a consistent, credible voice that clinical staff alone cannot replicate.

As the Certified Peer Specialist, you draw on your own recovery experience to deliver direct peer support, guide individuals through the development of personal recovery goals, and model self-advocacy within a clinical or community-based treatment team. You will report to a program supervisor or nurse manager while collaborating daily with case workers, clinical staff, and community resource providers across behavioral health settings.

Career Impact: Completing state Peer Specialist certification and accumulating supervised field hours in behavioral health programs establishes a credentialed professional identity that opens pathways into case management, peer lead, and program coordination roles.

Business Impact: Recovery programs where persons in recovery have consistent peer contact show measurably higher retention rates and greater engagement in treatment planning, outcomes that clinical staff working without peer support cannot replicate at the same scale.

Growth Opportunity: Experience facilitating WRAP groups, documenting in electronic health records, and working alongside multidisciplinary teams builds the competency profile that supports advancement toward Senior Peer Specialist, Peer Supervisor, or behavioral health program coordination positions.

• Share lived recovery experience with individuals to model hope, self-advocacy, and sustainable wellness behaviors.
• Guide individuals in developing personal recovery plans with measurable wellness goals and documented progress markers.
• Facilitate recovery-focused groups including WRAP sessions, symptom management groups, and community re-entry programming.
• Collaborate with clinical team members, case workers, and family supports to align peer services with each individual's treatment plan.
• Connect individuals to community resources including housing supports, self-help groups, and vocational and educational opportunities.
• Conduct outreach to individuals at risk of disengagement, including field visits, hospital contacts, and post-discharge follow-up.
• Document all peer support contacts, group notes, and service activities accurately in the electronic health record system.
• Support individuals in crisis by providing immediate peer stabilization and coordinating with clinical supervisors as needed.

• High school diploma or GED, or equivalent work experience.
• 1 or more years of paid or volunteer experience in a behavioral health, co-occurring disorders, or peer support setting.
• State Peer Specialist certification, or provisional certification with commitment to full certification within 3 to 6 months of hire.
• Lived experience with a mental health and/or substance use condition, with demonstrated personal recovery stability.
• Knowledge of recovery-oriented frameworks including trauma-informed care, person-centered practice, and motivational interviewing principles.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality, and compliance with agency and state behavioral health standards.
• Valid driver's license and the ability to travel locally for field visits, outreach, and community appointments.
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills sufficient to document services and present recovery information clearly.

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field, providing deeper grounding in clinical collaboration.
• Bilingual fluency in Spanish or another language spoken by the program's service population, enabling direct peer engagement without interpreter intermediaries.
• Familiarity with Medicaid program requirements and Medical Assistance documentation standards relevant to peer support reimbursement.
• Prior CPR and First Aid certification, or the ability to obtain it within the first six months of employment.

• Caseload contact rate: percentage of assigned individuals with documented peer contact within each 30-day period.
• WRAP completion rate: proportion of active participants who have a completed and regularly reviewed Wellness Recovery Action Plan on file.
• Crisis response documentation: number of crisis contacts documented with timely supervisor notification within required agency timeframes.
• Group facilitation volume: number of recovery-focused group sessions led or co-led per month across assigned program areas.
• Community linkage rate: percentage of individuals successfully connected to at least one community resource or self-help group per quarter.
• Typical tools: Electronic health record systems (commonly web-based EHR platforms); productivity software (commonly MS Word and Outlook)

• Base Salary Range: $18 to $24 per hour, or $37,000 to $50,000 annually depending on setting and geography.
• Bonus: performance or retention bonuses offered by some nonprofit and government-funded programs.
• Equity: not typically offered in nonprofit or public behavioral health settings.
• Health Benefits: medical, dental, and vision coverage standard across most program-level positions.
• PTO: 10 to 20 days annually, with additional sick leave in most agency environments.
• Common Perks: Mileage reimbursement for field travel, agency vehicle access, continuing education support, and certification renewal funding.

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process and in the performance of job duties - requests may be directed to the hiring organization at any stage. Employment in this role is contingent on successful completion of a criminal background check, child abuse history clearance, and applicable FBI clearance required by state behavioral health licensing standards. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, and local law. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

The Certified Peer Specialist delivers direct peer support, outreach, and transitional care services to participants and families while contributing to treatment team planning. Working alongside law enforcement, first responders, and community service entities, the specialist shapes a person-centered, recovery-focused team culture that keeps participants connected to needed services.

Key Responsibilities

• Enhance initial outreach, engagement, and retention efforts to help participants and families stay connected to needed services.
• Assist in engagement and retention activities to promote optimum involvement with the team.
• Provide concrete and social supports to clients and families through case management.
• Help shape the team's culture to promote person-centered, recovery-focused, strengths-based service delivery.
• Engage daily with members of law enforcement, first responders, and other emergency services entities.
• Follow established policies and procedures and maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
• Operate agency vehicle as required.

Required Qualifications

• State certification or provisional certification as a Peer Specialist required at hire.
• Knowledge of the recovery process and common challenges associated with mental health and substance use conditions.
• Knowledge and skill to teach basic problem-solving strategies to support clients in self-directed recovery.
• Familiarity with Electronic Health Record systems and basic computer skills required.
• Strong organizational, writing, and time management skills with effective crisis intervention ability.
• Bilingual fluency in Spanish preferred.
• Clearance through NYS Justice Center fingerprinting, Staff Exclusion List, and New York State Medicaid Exclusion List required.

Embedded within the Our Mission Is Yours program, the Certified Peer Specialist acts as an integral team member who models recovery, facilitates community re-entry groups, and co-facilitates crisis support for persons in recovery. Working closely with program staff, community organizations, and families, the specialist builds a sustained culture of peer support that enables graduates to integrate meaningfully into the community.

Core Functions

• Act as an integral member of the Our Mission Is Yours team and provide role modeling for persons in recovery, staff, and family members.
• Share personal experience of recovery to instill hope and assist in developing a culture of recovery and peer support.
• Assist with evaluating individual recovery needs, interests, and progress toward personal wellness.
• Connect recovering persons to WRAP groups and community-based mutual self-help groups.
• Support persons in recovery in building and strengthening linkages with community resources and family members.
• Work in partnership with program staff to ensure ongoing community integration activities and outreach for all program graduates.
• Co-facilitate a community re-entry group and talk individuals through crisis situations, including hospital visits as needed.
• Attend all mandatory staff trainings and scheduled supervision sessions.

Qualifications and Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Clear FBI clearance, criminal background check, and child abuse history clearance required.
• Self-identified current or former user of mental health or co-occurring services required.
• At least 12 months of paid or volunteer experience in the co-occurring field within the last three years.
• Knowledge and experience with co-occurring disorders and the recovery process.
• Strong interpersonal, problem-solving, and written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and establish trusting relationships with peers.

Reporting to program leadership, the Certified Peer Specialist provides peer support services to individuals referred to Community Psychiatric Rehabilitation, sharing lived recovery experience and collaborating with CS Workers to address housing, health advocacy, and relapse prevention. Partnering with clinical teams and community organizations, the specialist enables consumers to build personal recovery plans and sustain meaningful social and community connections.

Primary Duties

• Share lived experience of recovery and model successful recovery behaviors to help consumers develop coping and problem-solving skills.
• Collaborate with CS Workers to address housing issues, access community resources, and advocate for consumers receiving proper health care.
• Assist consumers in developing personal recovery plans with goals and monitor progress through guidance, coaching, and support.
• Promote wellness and coping skills by helping consumers identify warning signs and prevent relapse.
• Engage consumers in activities that enhance wellness and connect them to community resources, self-help groups, and social opportunities.
• Attend and participate in clinical team meetings and maintain required training and certifications.
• Observe all rules of confidentiality relating to clinical information and treatment internally and with external agencies.

Skills and Qualifications

• Peer Specialist Certification required.
• CPR/First Aid Certification and annual TB test required.
• Prior mental health and/or substance use knowledge required.
• 1-3 years of position-related experience preferred.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Prior healthcare technology software experience preferred.
• Strong oral and written communication skills with ability to present information clearly to individuals and groups.

Sitting at the intersection of clinical recovery support and community integration, the Certified Peer Specialist leads Recovery Dialogues, teaches Wellness Recovery Action Planning, and documents case notes in an electronic medical record system. Operating across vocational, housing, and social skills domains, the specialist empowers clients to articulate goals, overcome barriers, and build the self-advocacy skills needed for lasting recovery.

Duties

• Support clients in articulating personal recovery and wellness goals, identifying strengths, and setting objectives to overcome barriers.
• Assist clients in determining recovery interventions based on their life goals and recognize progress toward meeting objectives.
• Lead and teach clients how to facilitate Recovery Dialogues and support creation of a Wellness Recovery Action Plan.
• Teach clients problem-solving techniques, strategies to combat negative self-talk, and techniques for overcoming fears.
• Support clients' vocational choices, job-related anxiety, and development of social skills to enhance job acquisition and tenure.
• Support clients in obtaining decent and affordable housing in the most integrated and least restrictive environment.
• Model effective coping techniques, self-help strategies, and the value of every individual's recovery experience.
• Document case notes in an online electronic medical record system.

Experience and Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required, bachelor's degree in Human Services or a related field preferred.
• Must be a Certified Peer Specialist or eligible for certification.
• Valid driver's license with good driving record and proof of insurance required.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check, safety screenings, and drug screen required.
• Basic computer skills including familiarity with the internet and Microsoft Word.
• Ability to function as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team and conduct oneself professionally and ethically.

A key member of the Crisis Stabilization Program team, the Certified Peer Specialist provides information, advocacy, and recovery-focused group facilitation to help individuals with mental illness regain control over their lives and recovery. Collaborating across program staff and community partners, the specialist delivers daily group programming and documents individual progress to sustain person-centered, trauma-informed care.

Functions

• Assist, encourage, and empower individuals using mental health services.
• Activities of daily living, time structuring, housing support, and leisure activities.
• Provide support and education around self-management of illness and symptom management.
• Assist with goal acquisition and organize and lead peer support activities.
• Conduct recovery-focused groups and write daily group notes on each individual in the program.

Requirements

• Must be a certified Peer Specialist.
• Bachelor's degree required in human services or a related field.
• Paid or volunteer experience working with adults with severe and persistent mental illness required.
• Previous or current participation in the mental health system as a recipient of services required.
• Must be able to pass a CORI background check.
• Ability to establish supportive and trusting relationships with persons with severe and persistent mental illness.
• Demonstrates respect for diverse views and contributes to a professional and inclusive environment.

Reporting to the Nurse Manager, the Certified Peer Specialist works as a member of an inpatient psychiatric unit focused on recovery and stabilization for patients with mental illness, substance use, and co-occurring disorders, conducting post-discharge outreach and documenting patient encounters in the medical record. Partnering with clinical treatment teams, families, and community supports, the specialist bridges hospital care and community-based recovery services to improve patient outcomes.

Accountabilities

• Provide guidance, advocacy, and support to patients during their recovery and stabilization process.
• Serve as a liaison between the patient, clinical treatment team, and the patient's community, family, and other social supports.
• Empower patients to exercise autonomy and assist with developing self-advocacy skills using a trauma-informed, culturally responsive approach.
• Actively participate in daily rounds and attend departmental meetings and in-service education programs.
• Conduct post-discharge outreach to encourage attendance in community-based recovery and stabilization services.
• Collaborate with patients' family members and significant others around treatment goals.
• Document each patient encounter in the medical record and maintain patient confidentiality according to hospital policy.
• Obtain continuing education as necessary to maintain certification and follow established hospital infection control and safety procedures.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Certified Peer Specialist certification required within 3 months of employment.
• Lived experience with behavioral health disorders and a minimum of 2 years of sustained recovery required.
• Previous experience working with individuals with mental health or substance use disorders preferred.
• Knowledge of community resources and ability to connect patients with those resources required.
• Computer literacy with proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and web browsers required.
• Advanced interpersonal skills with the ability to self-disclose in a trauma-sensitive and appropriate manner.
• Proficiency in Spanish, French, Creole, and/or Portuguese strongly preferred.

The Certified Peer Specialist owns the delivery of peer support, advocacy, and community-based outreach to persons in recovery, accompanying individuals to appointments, completing WRAP plans, and conducting hospital and jail visits as needed. The role serves the Philadelphia-area recovery community and directly enables individuals with substance use disorders and their families to access resources, maintain daily living skills, and sustain recovery.

Activities

• Provide peer support, advocacy, and encouragement to persons in recovery through relationship building, mentoring, and role modeling.
• Accompany persons in recovery to community appointments and secure needed resources, including hospital and jail visits as needed.
• Teach self-advocacy skills, life skills, problem-solving, money management, and self-care skills to support daily living.
• Complete WRAP plans with persons in recovery and demonstrate knowledge of available resources in Philadelphia.
• Inform supervisor, staff, and Clinical Director of any changes in a person in recovery's status or condition.
• Complete accurate and timely documentation in accordance with agency standards and confidentiality requirements.
• Work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays and participate in on-call functions as scheduled.
• Collaborate with others to improve quality and address needs and perform other duties as assigned.

Background and Experience

• High school diploma or GED required, degree preferred.
• Completion of Certified Peer Specialist training required.
• Valid Pennsylvania driver's license and dependable transportation required.
• FBI, Child Abuse, and Criminal Background clearances required.
• Experience working with individuals diagnosed with substance use disorders and their families required.
• Understanding of signs, symptoms, and necessary interventions for substance use and mental illness required.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills required.
• Ability to use a telephone, computer, copy machine, fax machine, and agency vehicle required.

Certified Peer Specialist shapes recovery-focused mentorship and independent living skills development for military veterans transitioning from homelessness in a supportive housing setting. Success in the position means veterans gain stable housing, stronger community connections, and the self-advocacy skills needed to sustain autonomous, recovery-centered lives.

Role Responsibilities

• Coordinate supportive housing services and actively participate in team meetings and consultation.
• Promote recovery perspective and facilitate recovery skills development in mental health and chemical dependency.
• Coach, model, and provide feedback for independent living skills and function as a peer-based bridge to stable housing and community resources.
• Provide recovery education and planning to support autonomy, personal responsibility, and independence in the residential community setting.
• Plan, promote, and facilitate holistic wellness-focused activities and groups within the community.
• Identify barriers to recovery and work collaboratively with residents to set strength-based goals and encourage self-advocacy.
• Provide outreach to new and existing residents and demonstrate cultural sensitivity related to targeted clients and recovery.

Position Requirements

• Peer Support Specialist certification required or required within 6 months of employment.
• CPR and First Aid certification required or to be obtained within 6 months of hire.
• Personal experience with mental health recovery required; dual disorders and chemical dependency professional experience preferred.
• Knowledge of needs and concerns for individuals with mental illness and chemical dependency.
• Experience working within diverse communities across various ages, backgrounds, and ability levels.
• Proficiency in MS Office and web-based programs required.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills with strong teamwork and professionalism.

The Certified Peer Specialist delivers individual supports, group facilitation, and community integration activities within RHD programs, adhering to RHD Values and DBH Practice Guidelines while teaching self-advocacy and completing required documentation. The RHD program team relies on this work to advance recovery-oriented service delivery, maintain compliance with program standards, and support individuals in achieving independent living goals.

Job Functions

• Adhere to RHD values, policies, and procedures and serve as part of the team for assessment and delivery of individual supports.
• Participate fully in staff, clinical, linkage, and treatment team meetings, offering and accepting relevant input and feedback.
• Teach and role model self-advocacy and facilitate groups including WRAP, Recovery Support Groups, Community Meetings, and Symptom and Coping Skills sessions.
• Complete required program documentation including contact notes and incident reports.
• Identify and organize community trips and activities and assist in cultivating community resources.
• Assist individuals with independent living preparation and perform other tasks as assigned by the leadership team.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; additional education preferred.
• CPS Certification required.
• Valid State ID required; driver's license preferred.
• At least one year of experience working with others in mental health recovery required; previous residential services experience preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to navigate the internet required.
• Strong interpersonal, problem-solving, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check required.

Reporting to program leadership, the Certified Peer Specialist supports patients with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders by directing individualized recovery processes, teaching relapse prevention skills, and providing crisis support as assigned. Partnering with integrated care teams and community resources, the specialist facilitates the development of wellness and self-worth that enables patients to sustain meaningful recovery.

Scope of Work

• Provide opportunities for individuals to direct their own recovery process and reinforce skills needed for individual recovery.
• Promote knowledge of available service options, natural community resources, and development of wellness and self-worth.
• Facilitate the development of a sense of wellness and self-worth and support recovering persons throughout their process.
• Provide supportive services during times of patient crisis or relapse as assigned.
• Teach and reinforce personal care, self-help, substance abuse recovery, and relapse prevention skills as indicated in the treatment plan.

Technical Qualifications

• Completion of DHS-approved Minnesota Certified Peer Specialist Training and passing the certification exam required.
• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent required.
• Lived experience with a mental health diagnosis required.
• Proficient oral and written communication skills required.
• Ability to establish and role-model trusting, recovery-focused relationships.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member and use a computer or willingness to learn.

Sitting at the intersection of peer recovery support and managed care coordination, the Certified Peer Specialist guides, coaches, and mentors Medicaid members with behavioral health and substance use conditions by attending case rounds, orienting care teams, and attending community appointments to improve treatment adherence. Operating across urban and rural service networks, the specialist strengthens systems of care and reduces unnecessary hospitalizations for medically and socially complex members.

Key Deliverables

• Regularly attend case rounds and assist the team in identifying members who may benefit from peer support services.
• Orient the care management team on how peer support services help members achieve recovery goals, reinforce care plans, and reduce unnecessary hospitalizations.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals on recovery principles and social determinants of health through various communication channels.
• Assist care managers in helping members identify socioeconomic issues and develop health and social management plans and goals.
• Identify gaps in systems of care and increase utilization of community services by demonstrating how to schedule appointments and complete applications for eligible programs.
• May attend medical, behavioral health, or community appointments with members to improve treatment adherence and advocacy.
• Assist members in setting and attaining short and long-term goals and suggest approaches that encourage participation in wellness and recovery activities.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Peer Support Specialist certification preferred; completion of a Certified Peer Support Training Program required within one year if not certified.
• 2-3 years of experience in a community or outpatient setting working with members in a mental health or substance use setting required.
• Experience serving Medicaid populations in urban or rural environments with familiarity of local resource networks preferred.
• Knowledge of formal and informal community agencies, resources, and multi-system outreach programs required.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite including Word and Excel required; strong keyboard navigation skills required.
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and automobile insurance required.
• Preferred skills include Mental Health First Aid, Trauma-Informed Care, HIPAA, Motivational Interviewing, and medical terminology.
• Exceptional communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills with strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.

A key member of the Behavioral Health department, the Certified Peer Specialist coaches consumers in following personal goal plans, facilitates recovery-oriented support groups, and provides accurate Medical Assistance documentation to support compliance. Collaborating across the Person Centered Planning team and Peer Support advisory committee, the specialist delivers community-based and home-visit peer support that advances consumers' mental health recovery and long-term independence.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Coach consumers in following action steps on their personal goal plan and provide peer support through community outings, home visits, and phone calls.
• Support consumers in learning self-help and wellness skills including public transportation use, self-advocacy, cooking, scheduling appointments, and job applications.
• Share personal recovery experience to assist others in mental health recovery and facilitate or co-facilitate recovery-oriented support groups.
• Participate on the Peer Support advisory committee and obtain continuing education to maintain active certification.
• Provide accurate and timely documentation of services to ensure compliance with all applicable Medical Assistance regulations.
• Collaborate with the behavioral health department and each consumer's Person Centered Planning support team.

Professional Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Certified Peer Specialist certification in Pennsylvania required.
• Valid driver's license or other mode of transportation for work-related activities required.
• Criminal background check, drug screen, physical, child abuse clearance, and FBI clearance required.
• Understanding of mental health recovery principles and goal planning required.
• Ability to follow instructions, document task completion, and meet ongoing training requirements.