Peer Support Specialist

Center For Mental Health • Helena, MT

12d

About The Position

Many Rivers Whole Health is hiring a full-time, non-exempt Peer Support Specialist in Helena. The role provides community-based peer support services to individuals experiencing behavioral health challenges, promoting recovery, empowerment, wellness, and community integration. Drawing on lived experience in recovery, the specialist helps clients identify strengths, navigate resources, and pursue recovery goals while serving as a mentor, advocate, and source of encouragement. The specialist works with clients and a multidisciplinary treatment team, maintains client documentation, and participates in required training, supervision, and continuing education.

The ideal candidate is passionate about recovery and uses personal experience professionally to encourage hope and change. They build supportive relationships, listen empathetically, promote client choice and independence, maintain healthy boundaries, and adapt to clients’ needs. The position requires a high school diploma or GED, self-identification as an individual in recovery from mental health and/or substance use challenges, and the ability to pass Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialist certification within one month of employment. Candidates must have a valid Montana driver’s license, personal vehicle, and current vehicle insurance, and must be able to travel within the community. Background and motor vehicle record checks are required.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Self-identification as an individual in recovery from mental health and/or substance use challenges.
• Ability to effectively share lived experience in a professional and recovery-focused manner.
• Ability to pass Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialist (BHPSS) certification within one month of employment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office and internet-based programs.
• Valid Montana driver’s license, personal vehicle, and current vehicle insurance.
• Ability to travel within the community.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality, and ethical standards.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Must successfully pass background and motor vehicle record checks.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working within behavioral health, recovery, or peer support services.
• Knowledge of community resources and support systems.
• Experience supporting individuals with severe mental illness and/or substance use challenges.
• Understanding of recovery-oriented, person-centered care practices.
• Experience advocating for individuals receiving behavioral health services.
• Familiarity with documentation and electronic recordkeeping systems.

Responsibilities

• Work with clients to develop individualized recovery plans and identify goals.
• Provide peer support, encouragement, and recovery-focused coaching.
• Promote self-determination, personal choice, and informed decision-making.
• Support clients in developing life skills and community integration skills.
• Advocate for individuals and assist them in achieving recovery goals.
• Connect clients with community resources and natural supports.
• Collaborate with treatment team members to coordinate services and support.
• Monitor client progress and maintain regular engagement through peer support services.
• Maintain accurate documentation, reports, and client records.
• Manage an assigned caseload and productivity expectations.
• Participate in required peer support training, clinical supervision, and continuing education.
• Build relationships with community partners and referral sources.
• Attend agency-required trainings and meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of client care and recovery services.

Benefits

• 401(k) with employer matching
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Paid Time Off
• Paid birthday off
• Ongoing professional development through certification, supervision, and training opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED