Peer Specialist - RESTORE
About The Position
The Certified Peer Specialist - Youth (CPS-Y) delivers recovery-oriented support to youth and families under the direct supervision of the Family Treatment Team (FTT) Program Manager. Using lived experience with mental health recovery, the CPS-Y serves as an advocate and role model, helping clients direct their wellness journeys and build long-term stability and resilience. The role partners with youth and families to identify recovery goals and strengths, develop individualized Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP), build coping and communication skills, and improve social, life, educational, and vocational outcomes. It also connects families with community resources, advocates across external systems, supports natural support networks, and arranges or provides safe transportation for appointments. The CPS-Y participates in intake assessments, multidisciplinary treatment planning, and crisis intervention; offers recovery-informed perspectives to clinical staff; and maintains timely, accurate documentation in the Electronic Health Record (EHR). The position requires strict compliance with HIPAA and confidentiality requirements, including obtaining signed releases before disclosing healthcare information.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED equivalent.
- At least 18 years of age at the time of application.
- Currently credentialed as a Certified Peer Specialist - Youth (CPS-Y), or meet all state eligibility requirements for certification.
- Personal lived experience with a documented diagnosis of mental illness, addiction, or co-occurring dual diagnosis, and willingness to self-identify publicly as a person in recovery.
- High proficiency in reading comprehension and professional written communication, as evaluated through the required pre-employment assessment.
- Experience in leadership, peer advocacy, or program governance.
- Well-grounded personal recovery process and adherence to standard CPS and CARES ethical guidelines.
- Maintain an active Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) credential as a condition of employment; candidates hired under eligible status must obtain state certification within the designated probationary period.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable personal transportation for community-based and in-home client treatment.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in psychology, social work, counseling, or a closely related human services field.
- Active and verified state Certified Peer Specialist - Youth (CPS-Y) credential at the time of hire.
- Documented commitment to family-centered care, including serving youth and adults navigating serious mental illness (SMI).
Responsibilities
- Partner with youth and families to design, implement, and maintain individualized Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP).
- Teach evidence-based techniques and coping mechanisms to help youth manage intense emotional responses and behavioral challenges.
- Instruct families on reducing negative self-talk and replacing destructive communication patterns with positive interaction strategies.
- Facilitate structured activities and coaching to improve clients’ problem-solving, social interactions, and community integration.
- Support youth in identifying, exploring, and pursuing career paths and educational opportunities.
- Advocate for youth and families with external systems, including local schools, the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS), and the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ).
- Connect participants with community resources, stable housing opportunities, and local healthcare services.
- Help parents and guardians identify, establish, and use community and peer-led support networks.
- Arrange or directly provide safe transportation for clients to medical, therapeutic, and community appointments.
- Contribute to client intake assessments, multidisciplinary treatment team planning, and crisis intervention protocols.
- Use personal recovery insight to advise clinical staff and advocate for program improvements that support client wellness.
- Maintain timely, accurate documentation of billable and non-billable client interactions, family engagements, and collateral contacts in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
- Comply with HIPAA and confidentiality regulations and obtain signed releases of information before disclosing healthcare data.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
