Peer Recovery Specialist

At First Steps Recovery, we don’t just offer jobs — we offer purpose. As a leading, accredited behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment facility, our work changes lives daily. If you're driven by compassion, grounded in integrity, and thrive in a supportive, recovery-focused environment, you're exactly who we’re looking for.

When you join First Steps Recovery, you become part of a tight-knit, multidisciplinary team that values empathy, growth, and evidence-based care. Whether you’re working directly with clients or behind the scenes, every role here matters — and every day is an opportunity to make a difference.

Besides being an amazing company to work for, we also offer: 

· Medical, Dental, Vision benefits for full time employees

· PTO / Sick Leave Plans for full time and part time employees

· Free Employee Assistance Program for full time and part time employees

· Free Legal consultations and benefits for full time and part time employees

· Free Life Insurance for full time employees

· Generous 401K program for full time and part time employees

Position Summary

Provide lived-experience–informed peer support that complements clinical services across Detox/Residential/PHP/IOP/OP and In-Home LOCs. Core duties include recovery mentoring, crisis de-escalation support, facilitating peer groups, escorting clients to services, and closing the loop with the primary clinical team—while upholding privacy (HIPAA/42 CFR Part 2), resident/client rights, and FSR policies.

Essential Functions

• Peer Support & Mentorship: Build recovery-oriented relationships; model coping skills, wellness routines, and pro-social engagement.
• Group Facilitation: Lead or co-lead peer/process/wellness groups; complete timely, accurate documentation in EMR (Kipu).
• Care Coordination: Assist clients with practical barriers (calls, scheduling, reminders) under guidance of the primary clinician.
• Crisis Support: Identify escalating risk; immediately notify clinical leadership; participate in safety planning within scope.
• Transport (as needed): Provide modest, policy-compliant local transportation; log all rides per Transportation Policy; seek approvals for exceptions.
• Documentation: Daily notes, incident/flag entries, email updates, and additional chart notes per documentation standards.
• Compliance & Ethics: Adhere to code of ethics; mandatory reporting; boundaries; non-inducement practices (EKRA/AKS awareness for transport).
• Team Collaboration: Communicate client concerns and progress to therapists, nursing, operations, and program management.
• Training & Meetings: Attend orientation, in-service trainings, and staff meetings; maintain required competencies and certifications.

Competencies

• Lived-experience recovery skills; motivational and strengths-based communication.
• Group facilitation; de-escalation; cultural humility and trauma-informed care.
• Organization, follow-through, and accurate documentation in EMR (Kipu).
• Professional boundaries; discretion with PHI/Part 2 information.
• Case Management

Minimum Qualifications

• Education/Experience: 1+ year SUD/MH or comparable human-services experience preferred; lived experience with recovery (self or family) strongly preferred.
• Certification: Peer Recovery Specialist or Certified Peer Recovery Mentor (CCAPP or similar) certification (or in progress) preferred; AOD/SUD registration/certification (active or in progress) also considered.
• Licenses: Valid driver’s license; insurable driving record.
• Technical: Basic Microsoft tools; email; EMR (Kipu) proficiency preferred.
• Clearances: Negative TB within 1 year; medical clearance; ability to pass pre-employment and random drug screens.

Physical Demands

Frequent standing/walking/sitting; occasional stair use, bending, kneeling; lift/push/pull 20–50 lbs; routine computer/EMR use; occasional community outings and client transport.

Work Environment & Schedule

Facility-based and off-site tasks/transport; day/evening/weekend/holiday coverage as assigned; complies with meals/breaks policies.

Standard Disclaimer

The Company has reviewed this job description to ensure essential functions and basic duties have been included. It provides guidelines for job expectations and performance; it is not an exhaustive list of all functions or skills. Additional duties may be assigned as appropriate. This document does not constitute an employment contract; the Company may modify it at any time.