Peer Support Specialist - Recovery Coach

Catholic Charities • New Haven, CT

2d

About The Position

The Certified Peer Recovery Support and Recovery Specialist provides recovery-oriented, person-centered peer support services as part of a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) multidisciplinary team. The CPRS uses lived experience of recovery from mental health and/or substance use challenges to support individuals in achieving self-identified goals related to wellness, engagement in care, and community integration.

This role operates within an integrated behavioral health setting, collaborating closely with clinical, medical, and care coordination staff. Services are delivered both in-person and via telehealth and are aligned with SAMHSA CCBHC standards, DMHAS requirements, and evidence-based peer recovery models. The CPRS plays a key role in promoting access, engagement, continuity of care, and recovery outcomes.

Bilingual Spanish-English proficiency is strongly preferred. Veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.

Requirements

• Certified Peer Support and Recovery Specialist credential recognized by the State of Connecticut (DMHAS-approved certification)
• Lived experience with recovery from mental health and/or substance use challenges and ability to use that experience therapeutically
• Ability to work effectively in an integrated behavioral health setting
• Comfort delivering services in both in-person and telehealth environments
• Strong communication, engagement, and interpersonal skills
• Technological proficiency, including use of electronic health records, telehealth platforms, and digital communication tools
• Driver’s license required

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual Spanish-English proficiency
• Veteran status or experience working with veteran populations
• Experience facilitating peer support or recovery-oriented groups
• Familiarity with CCBHC, DMHAS, Medicaid, and SAMHSA standards
• Experience serving diverse and underserved urban communities, including New Haven

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group peer support services grounded in lived experience, mutuality, recovery principles, and hope
• Work within an integrated care environment, collaborating with clinicians, prescribers, care coordinators, and other team members to support whole-person care
• Assist individuals in navigating behavioral health, substance use, primary care, and social service systems consistent with the CCBHC model
• Support engagement, retention, and re-engagement in services, including outreach to individuals at risk of disengagement
• Address social determinants of health such as housing stability, employment, benefits access, and community connection
• Co-facilitate or independently facilitate recovery-oriented peer groups, both in-person and via telehealth, as appropriate
• Support group topics such as recovery skills, wellness planning, self-advocacy, coping strategies, and community integration
• Foster inclusive, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive group environments
• Utilize evidence-based and best-practice peer recovery approaches aligned with CCBHC standards, including: Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) Intentional Peer Support (IPS) Motivational Interviewing–informed peer approaches Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care (ROSC)
• Model recovery, self-determination, and wellness while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries
• Document peer services accurately and timely in the electronic health record in compliance with CCBHC, DMHAS, Medicaid, and agency requirements
• Uphold confidentiality, HIPAA, and ethical standards applicable to peer services
• Participate in required supervision, trainings, team meetings, and quality improvement activities
• Support data collection and reporting related to access, engagement, and recovery outcomes

Benefits

• Medical, Prescription, Dental and Vision insurance
• Life, AD&D and Long-term disability insurance
• 403(b) Plan, with employer matching contributions for eligible employees
• Training and development opportunities
• Generous paid time off; including 14 paid holidays, vacation and sick time.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Free and confidential counseling for employee and immediate family

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed