Peer Support Specialist

Job title: Peer Support Specialist

Location: Mount Pleasant, IA

Program Area: Drop-In Services / Community-Based Supports

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00am–4:30pm; evening and weekend hours as needed

Position Overview

We are excited to share an opportunity for a Peer Support Specialist (PSS). This role is ideal for someone with lived experience who is passionate about recovery, wellness, and walking alongside others in their mental health and/or substance use recovery journey. Peer Support Specialists use shared experience, relationship-building, and recovery principles to support participants in achieving personal goals, building community, and strengthening self-directed wellness.

Key Responsibilities

Participant Support & Recovery Services

• Build supportive, recovery-focused relationships with participants
• Support individuals in identifying strengths, goals, and barriers
• Assist with developing and using Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP)
• Lead and co-facilitate recovery-based groups and conversations
• Model effective coping skills, problem-solving, and self-advocacy
• Support participants in building social skills and natural and structured supports
• Connect participants to community and personal resources
• Provide one-on-one peer support services in both center-based and community settings, as appropriate

Program & Team Support

• Implement and support recovery-oriented groups and daily activities
• Support peer-led and self-help group participation
• Collaborate and communicate with team members
• Keep the Program Coordinator informed of participant needs and program operations
• Participate in team meetings, training, and ongoing professional development
• Promote stigma reduction and recovery-oriented practices

Daily Operations & Environment

• Assist with meal preparation, grocery shopping, and kitchen-related activities alongside participants
• Assist with maintaining a clean, welcoming, and organized environment
• Participate in community outreach, engagement, and networking activities
• Support basic planning and organization of daily center activities

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries at all times
• Provide transportation to/from the Drop-In Center and related activities as needed
• Work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings or weekends as needed
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must have lived experience with a mental health and/or substance use disorder and be living well in recovery (as self-defined)
• Must be willing to obtain Peer Support Specialist/Peer Recovery Coach certification within 6 months of hire
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule

Why Consider This Role? Peer Support Specialists play a critical role in creating hope, empowerment, and connection. This position allows you to make a meaningful impact by using lived experience to support recovery, build community, and walk alongside others in their wellness journey.