Peer Recovery Support Specialist

Unity Recovery•San Antonio, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) works in partnership with individuals who may benefit from peer support services, providing support in line with their training and the needs of individuals in their assigned program. Peer role types may include peer recovery support specialists trained in substance use and/or mental health, forensic peer specialists, and family peer support specialists. The PSS serves as a role model, mentor, advocate, navigator, and motivator for individuals in or seeking recovery. The role supports recovery and/or re-entry planning and goal achievement, including harm reduction and sustaining long-term recovery. The PSS facilitates planning that recognizes diverse recovery pathways, including medication and moderation; shares personal recovery experiences appropriately; builds authentic peer relationships; and respects each individual’s path to recovery and/or community reintegration. This is a full-time, non-exempt position with at least five in-person workdays per week as scheduled and availability for at least one weekend day each week. The position does not include remote workdays. Compensation is $36,000–$42,000, with optional health, dental, and vision benefits; a 401(k) with company match after one year of service; unlimited PTO; and other benefits designated by the organization.

Requirements

Certified Recovery Specialist, Certified Peer Specialist, or Certified Family Recovery Support Specialist, or eligibility to earn the respective certification within six months of hire.
At least one year of experience working in community-based settings.
High degree of technological literacy or willingness to acquire these skills as part of employment.
Reliable, insured personal transportation.
Maintain the applicable Peer Support credential.
Availability to work at least five in-person days per week as scheduled and at least one weekend day each week.

Responsibilities

Provide peer-based support to individuals contemplating or actively seeking help with behavioral health recovery and/or community-based re-entry.
Build rapport through empathetic, active listening and non-judgmental communication.
Participate in daily shift debriefs, weekly individual supervision, and monthly group supervision.
Complete administrative duties, including recovery plan creation, data tracking and entry, and digital communication through email and group messaging apps.
Conduct work ethically in accordance with the applicable certifying bodies’ codes of ethics and the recovery bill of rights.
Provide recovery education for all phases of the recovery journey, from pre-recovery engagement through sustained recovery.
Identify emergency or crisis situations and facilitate access to appropriate resources, including connecting individuals with resources and helping them navigate systems.
Help develop and enhance individualized recovery and/or re-entry plans that recognize multiple pathways to recovery, and advocate for access to recovery and community resources.
Support the transition from professionally assisted recovery initiation to personally directed, community-supported recovery maintenance.
Collaborate with institutions to provide effective peer support services to identified individuals.
Identify and support connections to community resources, including recovery communities, education, vocational, social, cultural and spiritual resources, mutual aid groups, and professional services, in collaboration with the individual, staff, and relevant stakeholders.
Help individuals identify and prioritize their strengths and needs using techniques that encourage self-disclosure and change-oriented actions.
Maintain project logs, reports, and accurate records in appropriate files and databases in accordance with program standards.
Maintain confidentiality of information received while providing recovery support services and keep current with federal, state, and local confidentiality requirements.
Participate in continuing professional development related to peer support services and apply practical and professional knowledge and experience.
Maintain the Peer Support credential.
Work at least five in-person days per week as scheduled and be available at least one weekend day each week.
Perform other duties as directed by the Peer Supervisor, Program Director, or local Recovery Support Services Director.