Certified Peer Specialist

About APM

Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha (APM) is a nonprofit organization in Philadelphia, PA, dedicated to serving the community through a wide range of human services, including early childhood education, foster care and adoption, child welfare, mental and behavioral health, community and economic development, housing, violence intervention, and community school support. APM has proudly served the North Philadelphia community since 1970.

Salary: $20-22 per hour depending on experience

Department: Behavioral Health

Job Type: Full Time (5 days a week, 40 hours in total), Non-Exempt (pays overtime)

Work Schedule and Locations: 

• 4301 Rising Sun Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19140 – Open Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–3:30 PM or 8:30 AM–5:00 PM and Saturday, 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
• 3265 N Front Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140 – Open Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–6:00 PM; Saturday, 7:30 AM–4:00 PM and Saturday, 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
  
   

JOB SUMMARY

The Peer Specialist is a recovery-oriented team member who draws on lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery to provide support, advocacy, and mentorship to individuals on their recovery journey. Working collaboratively with clinical and support staff, the Peer Specialist helps clients build self-advocacy skills, connect with resources, and achieve personal goals that promote independence, wellness, and community integration.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide one-on-one peer support, using personal recovery experiences to build trust, offer hope, and empower clients.
• Facilitate and co-lead peer support groups and recovery-focused activities.
• Assist clients in developing and following individualized recovery plans.
• Help clients access behavioral health, substance use, housing, employment, and other community resources.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to communicate client needs, strengths, and progress.
• Support clients with crisis planning, relapse prevention, and early intervention strategies.
• Promote self-advocacy, resilience, and informed decision-making.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the electronic health record (EHR).
• Participate in team meetings, training, and professional development.
• Foster a welcoming, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive environment.
• Other duties as assigned

BENEFITS

• Health Insurance through Independence Administrators or $100/month reimbursement with proof of current insurance
• Vision and Dental Plans through SunLife
• Basic Life Insurance (100% Employer Funded)
• 403B Retirement Plan with Company Contribution
• Flexible Spending Accounts for Health, Childcare, and Public Transportation expenses
• Employee Assistance Program including free counseling, training, webinars, and other resources
• Voluntary Plans include Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity
• Short-term and Long-term Disabilities
• Employee Referral Program
• 20 Days of Paid Time Off include Illness, Vacation, Appointments, and Emergencies
• 12 Days of Paid Holidays

• Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) credential required.
• High school diploma or GED (post-secondary education preferred).
• Lived experience of recovery from mental health and/or substance use challenges and a willingness to share that experience to support others.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport across diverse populations.
• Strong documentation, organizational, and time management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team setting while managing responsibilities independently.
• Knowledge of Philadelphia-area community resources.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.
• Local travel required.
• Commitment to confidentiality, ethical practice, and professional boundaries.
• Experience in behavioral health, substance use, or related human services.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) strongly preferred, reflecting the diversity of the community served.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed and recovery-oriented practices.