Peer Support Specialist

Job Title: Peer Support Specialist Location: Poplar Bluff, MO Department: Recovery Services Employment Type: Full-Time Job Summary: Are you passionate about helping others discover hope, healing, and lasting recovery? Join our compassionate and collaborative team as a Peer Support Specialist and make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals navigating mental health and substance use recovery. This rewarding role offers the opportunity to use your lived experience to inspire others, build meaningful connections, support personal growth, and help individuals achieve their recovery goals. We are seeking a caring, dependable, and motivated professional who values empathy, resilience, communication, and teamwork. The Peer Support Specialist provides recovery-focused support services that promote wellness, independence, and community integration. Working closely with individuals, families, treatment teams, and community resources, this role assists participants in developing recovery plans, building coping skills, accessing support systems, and achieving meaningful personal goals. Through encouragement, advocacy, education, and mentorship, the Peer Support Specialist helps individuals move forward in their recovery journey while fostering hope and resilience. Key Responsibilities: · Support individuals in developing and achieving personalized recovery and treatment goals · Facilitate peer support services, educational groups, and recovery-focused activities that encourage resilience and personal growth · Share lived recovery experience, recovery tools, and coping strategies to inspire hope and model successful recovery behaviors · Assist individuals in identifying strengths, building support networks, and connecting with community resources · Encourage individuals to take an active role in their treatment and make informed, independent choices regarding their recovery · Collaborate with treatment teams, referral sources, guardians, and community providers to ensure continuity of care · Assist with scheduling appointments, coordinating services, and arranging transportation as needed · Provide crisis intervention and support during challenging situations · Participate in staffing meetings and treatment planning activities · Assist with referrals for medical, behavioral health, or community-based services when appropriate · Maintain timely and accurate documentation in accordance with state regulations and CARF standards · Represent the organization professionally within the community and with partnering agencies · Complete required continuing education and professional development activities · Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Director Education, Experience, and/or Credential Qualifications: · High school diploma or equivalent required · Self-identify as a current or former recipient of mental health or substance use services, or as an individual in recovery from a mental health and/or substance use disorder · Knowledge of case management, rehabilitation principles, and recovery-oriented approaches within behavioral health settings · Understanding of challenges experienced by individuals with mental health and substance use disorders and available community resources · Ability to share lived experience effectively while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries · Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to prepare clear and concise documentation · Ability to connect individuals with recovery resources, support groups, and community-based services · Complete a state-approved Peer Specialist training program and pass any required certification examination · Missouri applicants must complete the Peer Specialist application process and certification requirements established by the State of Missouri · Must attain Misso ri Peer Specialist certification requirements, including any required training and examination timelines Additional Qualifications: · Must be at least 21 years of age · Must successfully pass background screenings, including criminal history, driving record, and abuse/neglect checks · Valid driver's license, acceptable driving record, and ability to meet agency driving requirements preferred · Current automobile insurance required if operating a personal vehicle for work purposes · Must attain First Aid certification within three (3) months of employment and maintain certification thereafter · Must attain CPR certification within three (3) months of employment and maintain certification thereafter · Must attain required behavioral management and crisis intervention training within established timeframes · Must attain thirty-six (36) hours of ongoing training every two years in accordance with applicable regulations · Demonstrated empathy, professionalism, teamwork, and commitment to supporting recovery and resilience Physical Requirements · Perform light work involving exertion of up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds frequently, and negligible force continuously to move objects · Walk or stand for extended periods throughout the workday as needed · Sit for prolonged periods while performing documentation and administrative tasks · Push and pull materials or equipment as required during daily work activities · Maintain the physical ability to travel within the community and provide services in various settings