Peer Specialist Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED required
• Peer Recovery Specialist Certification in Iowa or documented progress toward obtaining the certificate (e.g. proof of course registration).
• Principles of peer support, recovery, and self-determination
• Basic understanding of mental health and substance use disorders
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care and recovery language
• Community resources such as support groups, housing assistance, and vocational services
• Confidentiality standards (e.g., HIPAA) and peer support ethics
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Active listening, reflective communication, and motivational encouragement
• Group facilitation techniques
• Basic documentation in electronic records
• Self-awareness, time management, and organization
• Relate to others with compassion and respect regardless of clinical presentation
• Maintain neutrality and professionalism in emotionally complex situations
• Encourage self-efficacy without directing or controlling others’ choices
• Represent the voice of lived experience within a clinical team
• Understanding health and safety regulations to ensure a secure environment for clients and staff.
• Compassionate client interaction with empathy and active listening.
• Maintenance of professional boundaries to ensure a safe therapeutic environment.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and municipal laws and regulations governing the treatment of alcoholism and drug addiction, including confidentiality, client rights, professional ethics, and anti-discrimination policies.
• Proficient in crisis communication, maintaining professionalism in high-stress situations.
• Must have personal, lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery, with at least 1 year of sustained recovery, and the ability to maintain recovery and wellness while supporting others.
• Must be willing to travel as often as needed
• Authorized to work in the US

Responsibilities

• Establish supportive, trust-based relationships with patients using shared lived experiences to model recovery and resilience
• Facilitate peer-led groups focusing on recovery topics, such as wellness planning, relapse prevention, managing emotions, and self-advocacy
• Provide one-on-one peer support to help patients navigate treatment, express goals, and build confidence
• Assist patients with identifying and connecting to community resources, recovery supports, housing, employment, and other services
• Participate in treatment team meetings to provide perspective on patient progress and advocate for recovery-oriented practices
• Help patients develop WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) or other self-directed recovery plans
• Uphold boundaries and ethical standards consistent with the peer support role
• Document interactions and services provided in a timely, objective, and respectful manner in the patient record
• Model positive coping strategies and share recovery tools in a way that respects each patient’s journey
• Promote an environment of hope, empowerment, and cultural respect in all interactions
• Participate in maintaining a clean, well-organized, and efficiently supplied work environment, contributing to a positive atmosphere for both clients and staff.
• Observe and report any safety or maintenance issues promptly to ensure a safe and functional workplace.
• Interact with clients and colleagues in a respectful and empathetic manner, maintaining professional boundaries and a demeanor that fosters trust and rapport.
• Uphold the privacy and confidentiality of all client information in accordance with federal and state laws, actively reporting any concerns regarding privacy violations or policy breaches to supervisors.