Peer Support Specialist I

About the Role

The Peer Support Specialist provides recovery-oriented peer support services to individuals and families enrolled in National Church Residences' Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) programs. Drawing upon lived experience with mental health, substance use, or homelessness, the specialist promotes hope, recovery, housing stability, self-advocacy, and community integration through mutual support, mentoring, and shared lived experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one and group peer support services that promote recovery, housing stability, wellness, self-advocacy, and community integration.
• Collaborate with Case Managers and the Community Engagement Manager to develop and support individualized recovery goals and service plans.
• Assist residents in identifying personal strengths and establishing recovery, wellness, employment, and independent living goals.
• Utilize evidence-based recovery tools, including WHAM and WRAP, to assist residents in developing individualized wellness and recovery plans.
• Conduct ongoing follow-up with residents to monitor progress, provide encouragement, reinforce recovery skills, and address barriers to housing stability.
• Teach and model self-advocacy, coping skills, problem-solving, communication, and decision-making skills that promote independence and long-term recovery.
• Assist residents in developing Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), including budgeting, meal planning, cooking, housekeeping, shopping, personal hygiene, medication organization, and use of community resources.
• Facilitate peer-led support groups, recovery groups, wellness activities, educational workshops, and life skills classes.
• Encourage resident participation in workshops, employment services, volunteer opportunities, Resident Councils, community events, and recreational activities.
• Collaborate with Community Engagement Specialists to implement resident programming and create opportunities for meaningful resident engagement.
• Assist with community events, resident celebrations, volunteer projects, and special activities.
• Transport and/or accompany residents to community activities, appointments, educational programs, recovery meetings, employment opportunities, and other off-site activities as needed.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to support coordinated, person-centered services.
• Document all resident encounters, peer support services, assessments, referrals, group activities, and service contacts in electronic health records and other required systems.
• Maintain resident files in compliance with agency documentation standards and confidentiality requirements.
• Complete required onboarding, training, and certification requirements.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Current Ohio Certified Peer Recovery Supporter certification, or the ability to obtain certification within the required timeframe.
• Associate's degree in Human Services, Behavioral Health, Social Work, or a related field preferred.

Skills

• Lived experience with mental health recovery, substance use recovery, homelessness, or another qualifying experience recognized under Ohio Peer Recovery Supporter standards.
• Experience providing peer support, mentoring, advocacy, or recovery support services.
• Preferred experience: working in Permanent Supportive Housing, Housing First programs, behavioral health, homelessness services, or community-based human services.
• Knowledge of recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and person-centered practices.
• Knowledge of WHAM, WRAP, motivational interviewing, and community resources.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong facilitation and group engagement skills.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and documentation skills.
• Ability to engage and motivate residents from diverse populations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other technology platforms.
• Valid driver’s license.

Benefits

• Medical & Rx – 3 plan options with Nationwide network coverage.
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account or Employer funded Health Savings Account.
• Fertility & Family Building Support, Weight Management, and Chronic Condition Support.
• Parental Leave paid at 100% for four weeks.
• Dental & Vision coverage with Nationwide providers.
• Company provided Life & ADD insurance and Disability coverage.
• Voluntary benefits such as Life & ADD, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness, and Pet Coverage.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for Dependent Care and Transportation & Parking.
• Well-being Programs including EAP, tobacco cessation, and Well-Being Your Way.
• 3-4-5 Retirement Program with company funding and match.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and 9 paid Holidays.