Peer Support Specialist

Job Title: Peer Support Specialist (PSS) 

FLSA Classification: non-Exempt

Reports To: Clinical Director 

Job Family: Radix Recovery

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) is a person with lived experience in recovery from mental health and/or substance use challenges who uses that experience to support others in their own recovery journey. As a vital part of the treatment team, the PSS offers hope, empathy, and encouragement to individuals receiving behavioral health services. This role focuses on mentoring, advocacy, empowerment, and recovery education in both group and one-on-one settings.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

•  Establish supportive, trust-based relationships with patients using shared lived experiences to model recovery and resilience
•  Facilitate peer-led groups focusing on recovery topics, such as wellness planning, relapse prevention, managing emotions, and self-advocacy
•  Provide one-on-one peer support to help patients navigate treatment, express goals, and build confidence
•  Assist patients with identifying and connecting to community resources, recovery supports, housing, employment, and other services
•  Participate in treatment team meetings to provide perspective on patient progress and advocate for recovery-oriented practices
•  Help patients develop WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) or other self-directed recovery plans
•  Uphold boundaries and ethical standards consistent with the peer support role
•  Document interactions and services provided in a timely, objective, and respectful manner in the patient record
•  Model positive coping strategies and share recovery tools in a way that respects each patient’s journey
•  Promote an environment of hope, empowerment, and cultural respect in all interactions

Workplace Maintenance: (all employees)

•  Participate in maintaining a clean, well-organized, and efficiently supplied work environment, contributing to a positive atmosphere for both clients and staff.
•  Observe and report any safety or maintenance issues promptly to ensure a safe and functional workplace.

Professional Conduct: (all employees)

•  Interact with clients and colleagues in a respectful and empathetic manner, maintaining professional boundaries and a demeanor that fosters trust and rapport.
•  Uphold the privacy and confidentiality of all client information in accordance with federal and state laws, actively reporting any concerns regarding privacy violations or policy breaches to supervisors.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DIRECT REPORTS:

None.

REQUIREMENTS:

Qualifications:

•  High School diploma or GED required
•  Peer Recovery Specialist Certification in Iowa or documented progress toward obtaining the certificate (e.g. proof of course registration).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

•  Principles of peer support, recovery, and self-determination
•  Basic understanding of mental health and substance use disorders
•  Familiarity with trauma-informed care and recovery language
•  Community resources such as support groups, housing assistance, and vocational services
•  Confidentiality standards (e.g., HIPAA) and peer support ethics
•  Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
•  Active listening, reflective communication, and motivational encouragement
•  Group facilitation techniques
•  Basic documentation in electronic records
•  Self-awareness, time management, and organization
•  Relate to others with compassion and respect regardless of clinical presentation
•  Maintain neutrality and professionalism in emotionally complex situations
•  Encourage self-efficacy without directing or controlling others’ choices
•  Represent the voice of lived experience within a clinical team
•  Workplace Maintenance (all employees)
• Understanding health and safety regulations to ensure a secure environment for clients and staff.
•  Professional Conduct (all employees)
• Compassionate client interaction with empathy and active listening.
• Maintenance of professional boundaries to ensure a safe therapeutic environment.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and municipal laws and regulations governing the treatment of alcoholism and drug addiction, including confidentiality, client rights, professional ethics, and anti-discrimination policies.
• Proficient in crisis communication, maintaining professionalism in high-stress situations.

Other Conditions:

•  Must have personal, lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery, with at least 1 year of sustained recovery, and the ability to maintain recovery and wellness while supporting others.
•  Must be willing to travel as often as needed
•  Authorized to work in the US