Peer Support Specialist

Mary Hall Freedom Village, Inc. (MHFV) empowers women, children, veterans, and families to end the cycle of homelessness, addiction, and poverty. Headquartered in Sandy Springs, GA, with seven facilities across metro Atlanta, MHFV has been transforming lives for almost three decades. We are committed to breaking the cycle of homelessness, addiction, mental illness, and poverty. If you believe in the empowerment of women, children, veterans, and their families, we invite you to consider the opportunity below.

The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) provides peer-led recovery support services to individuals engaged in recovery from substance use and co-occurring disorders. This role combines recovery coaching with case-management functions, including assessment, resource connection, advocacy, and service coordination. Services are delivered using a strengths-based, recovery-oriented, and trauma-informed approach. The Peer Support Specialist works under the oversight of the Regional Services Coordinator and collaborates closely with internal staff and community partners to support participant stability and long-term recovery.

• Conduct initial and ongoing participant assessments, including recovery capital, strengths, needs, and barriers.
• Participate in required reassessments to monitor progress and identify emerging needs.
• Use assessment findings to support the development and implementation of individualized recovery support plans.
• Assist participants in setting recovery-oriented goals and tracking progress over time.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for assigned participants.
• Connect participants to community-based resources, including substance use treatment, housing, healthcare, employment, education, childcare, and transportation.
• Assist participants with applications, referrals, appointment scheduling, and follow-up.
• Coordinate services in collaboration with the Regional Services Coordinator and other program staff.
• Provide peer recovery coaching, mentorship, and emotional support grounded in lived experience.
• Facilitate individual and group recovery support sessions, as assigned.
• Support relapse prevention efforts, recovery stability, and the development of healthy coping strategies.
• Model recovery-oriented behaviors and promote self-advocacy and personal responsibility.
• Advocate for participants within treatment, healthcare, housing, and social service systems.
• Accompany participants, when appropriate and approved, to appointments or court-related matters.
• Assist participants in navigating complex systems and overcoming barriers to care using lived-experience-informed support.
• Participate in required supervision, staff meetings, and training activities.
• Maintain regular communication with the Regional Services Coordinator regarding participant progress, needs, and service gaps.
• Participate in case staffing, interdisciplinary team meetings, and quality improvement activities.
• Collaborate with internal staff and external partners to ensure coordinated and effective service delivery.
• Maintain required peer certification(s) and complete continuing education as required by certifying bodies and the organization.
• Adhere to ethical standards and professional boundaries specific to peer support roles.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities.
• May provide informal peer guidance or support to new staff or interns as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; an associate or bachelor’s degree in a human-services-related field is preferred.
• Lived experience with substance use recovery and a minimum period of sustained recovery as defined by program or certifying body requirements.
• Certified Peer Specialist, Peer Recovery Coach, or equivalent peer credential, or the ability to obtain certification within a specified timeframe.
• Minimum of one year of experience providing peer support, case management, or recovery support services.

Required Skills, Capabilities, Knowledge

• Strong understanding of recovery-oriented systems of care and peer support principles.
• Ability to engage participants using motivational, strengths-based, and trauma-informed approaches.
• Knowledge of community resources and service systems, including behavioral health, housing, healthcare, and social services.
• Strong advocacy, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries while leveraging lived experience appropriately.
• Effective time management, organization, and documentation skills.
• Basic computer proficiency, including use of EHR systems and standard office software.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 requirements.

Employment Requirements and Expectations

• Three-year motor vehicle report.
• TB test and drug testing.
• Background check.
• Work performed in an office environment.
• Standard work schedule is TBD.