Peer support specialists offer guidance and support to people who are struggling with substance abuse, psychological trauma, or mental health disorders. They generally have first-hand experience with similar traumatic events or circumstances and work closely with a variety of professionals to provide counseling and rehabilitation.
Peer Support Specialist Job Description Template
We are seeking a compassionate peer support specialist to assist and guide our clients. In this role, you will be required to conduct regular one-on-one support meetings, develop recovery strategies, coordinate client schedules and logistics, and respond to any emergencies as needed.
To ensure success as a peer support specialist, you should be empathetic and possess exceptional interpersonal communication skills. A top-notch peer support specialist should be able to easily identify warning signs in clients and provide effective interventions and emotional support.
Peer Support Specialist Responsibilities:
- Responding to call-outs and client emergencies as needed.
- Meeting with clients regularly to offer one-on-one support and counseling.
- Developing recovery plans, coping methods, and rehabilitation strategies with the client.
- Arranging medical appointments, therapy sessions, support groups, and other resources to aid the client.
- Monitoring the client’s behavior, schedule, medication, and activities.
- Reporting any unusual behavior, conflicts, or recovery deviations to the relevant professionals.
- Liaising with family members and medical professionals regularly.
- Coordinating the client’s logistics such as medical appointments and therapy sessions, among others.
- Conducting assessments and providing feedback to the client, medical professionals, and the family.
- Generating recovery reviews and performance documents to track the rehabilitation process.
Peer Support Specialist Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED.
- Valid driver’s license and own transport.
- CIPSS or NCPS certification preferred.
- A clear drug test and no involvement with substances.
- At least one year’s experience as a peer support specialist.
- Lived experience with mental health conditions, substance abuse, or trauma.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Highly compassionate and attentive to detail.
- Good knowledge of recovery resources such as the 12 step program and community support groups.
- The ability to be on call for emergencies and work on weekends and public holidays.