Peer Support Specialist

Description

The Peer Support and Case Management Specialist serves as a vital member of the Fellowship House treatment team, combining lived experience of recovery with professional skills in case management. Assigned to the Walker County Jail, this position is responsible for providing support to incarcerated individuals with substance use and co-occurring disorders through direct services, peer-based coaching, discharge planning, and linkage to community-based recovery resources.

Working in a correctional setting, this role emphasizes a balance of peer-led emotional support and structured case management, ensuring individuals are met with compassion, accountability, and the tools to initiate and sustain recovery from their first point of contact through reentry into the community.

• Serve as a positive role model by appropriately sharing personal recovery experiences to inspire hope and motivation among incarcerated individuals.
• Provide individual and group peer coaching inside the jail to promote recovery, build resilience, and support recovery-oriented thinking.
• Assist individuals in identifying recovery goals, building coping skills, and developing relapse prevention strategies within the jail setting.
• Support incarcerated clients in developing a reentry plan that includes recovery support, housing, employment, and health care needs.
• Conduct needs assessments and coordinate individualized case management services in preparation for release.
• Collaborate with jail staff, legal representatives, and community providers to ensure coordinated care and continuity of services post-release.
• Facilitate warm handoffs to Fellowship House and other community-based treatment providers upon release.
• Provide education and advocacy around recovery, mental health, and reentry resources.
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation, including GPRA reporting, discharge plans, and progress notes.
• Participate in regular interdisciplinary team meetings and case reviews, both within the jail and with external partners.
• Monitor and support adherence to program guidelines and expectations while reinforcing basic life skills and recovery principles.
• Serve as a liaison between Fellowship House, Walker County Jail, and external support systems to ensure access to services and support upon release.
• Represent the peer recovery perspective in outreach, training, and collaborative community efforts related to recovery and reentry.

Requirements

Deep understanding of recovery principles and the impact of substance use and mental health disorders.

Strong ability to establish trust and rapport through empathy, active listening, and lived experience.

Basic knowledge of Recovery Oriented Systems of Care.

Familiarity with NIDA’s Principles of Effective Treatment.

Strong documentation and time management skills.

Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team and across diverse client populations.

Awareness and implementation of culturally responsive and trauma-informed practices.

High school diploma or GED required

Must be in recovery from substance use or co-occurring disorders with a minimum of two years of sustained recovery.

Must complete and maintain certification as a Certified Peer Support Specialist through the Alabama Department of Mental Health

Valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.

CPR, First Aid, and Medication Assistance Certification (may be obtained after hire through Fellowship House).

Experience facilitating or co-facilitating peer support or recovery groups preferred.

Schedule:

Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM-4:00PM

Occasional evening and weekend group may be required.