Peer Recovery Support Specialist - Rest Center

McCall Behavioral Health Network•Winsted, CT

About The Position

The Peer Recovery Support Specialist brings lived experience of mental health and/or substance use recovery to the REST Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU), offering peer support, hope, and practical guidance to people experiencing acute behavioral health crises. As a member of the multidisciplinary team, the position bridges clinical services and lived experience, models recovery, and empowers clients to identify strengths, build community connections, and navigate the path forward. A current Connecticut Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSSP) credential is required. The position is full-time and non-exempt, with a salary range beginning at $28.00. The role establishes peer-to-peer connections, supports clients during crisis and stabilization, facilitates recovery and wellness activities, assists with recovery planning and resource navigation, and contributes the peer perspective to coordinated care. It also includes documentation in the electronic health record, collaboration with clinicians and other team members, and adherence to certified peer specialist ethical guidelines and scope of practice.

Requirements

Current Connecticut Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSSP) credential.
Personal lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery.
Ability to maintain professional boundaries while drawing on personal experience.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build trusting relationships across diverse populations.
Commitment to trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, and person-centered values.
Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team in a fast-paced crisis environment.
Valid driver's license.
Ability to sit for prolonged periods, use the phone, and work on a computer.
Ability to lift up to 20 pounds at times.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a crisis stabilization unit, peer respite, or another acute behavioral health setting.
Familiarity with Motivational Interviewing or other recovery-support frameworks.
Experience with electronic health record documentation.
Bilingual or multicultural competency relevant to the populations served.

Responsibilities

Establish authentic peer-to-peer connections by intentionally sharing personal recovery experience to inspire hope and reduce stigma.
Provide non-judgmental, compassionate support to clients during acute crisis and stabilization.
Assist clients in identifying personal strengths, recovery goals, and natural supports.
Facilitate peer support groups and skill-building activities that promote recovery, wellness, and self-advocacy.
Support clients in developing personal recovery plans and wellness tools that identify strengths, coping strategies, and community supports.
Help clients identify and connect with community resources, including recovery support groups, housing, transportation, and benefits navigation.
Partner with clinicians on discharge planning so clients establish recovery-supportive connections before leaving the program.
Provide warm handoffs to community-based peer support and recovery services.
Participate in multidisciplinary treatment team meetings and shift handoffs, contributing the peer perspective to care planning.
Collaborate with licensed clinicians, nurses, and the APRN to promote integrated, recovery-oriented care.
Maintain timely and accurate documentation of peer support services in the electronic health record.
Follow the ethical guidelines and scope of practice established for certified peer specialists.