Peer Support Specialist

Peer Support Specialist — Crisis Services The Centers | Department of Social WorkLocation: Crisis Receiving Center | Status: Non-Exempt | Schedule: Variable Shifts (24/7 Operation) About This Opportunity At The Centers, we believe that the most powerful catalyst for recovery is the voice of someone who has lived it. Our Crisis Services team is seeking a passionate Peer Support Specialist who will draw on their own personal recovery journey to meet clients exactly where they are — in their most vulnerable moments — and walk alongside them with authentic understanding, hope, and expertise that no textbook can teach. This is not a typical clinical support role. It is a mission-driven position that honors the profound value of lived experience as a professional credential. If you are a current or former recipient of mental health and/or substance use disorder services who has embraced your own recovery and wellness, and you're ready to transform that experience into meaningful impact for others, we want to hear from you. What You Will Do Peer Counseling and Client Engagement. You will provide individualized peer counseling and consultation, leveraging your personal recovery story to build trust, reduce stigma, and empower clients to envision and pursue their own path to wellness. You'll build supportive, empowering relationships grounded in shared experience and a non-judgmental stance. Family and Team Support. You will extend your expertise to the families of clients, offering education, consultation, and support around mental health and substance use disorders. Within the treatment team, you'll share practical knowledge and first-hand insight that enhances the quality and empathy of service delivery for all. Community Liaison and Advocacy. You will serve as a bridge between clients and community resources, navigating systems with and for individuals in crisis. You'll advocate for client needs and preferences within the treatment setting, ensuring their voices are heard and respected. Crisis Intervention and Recovery Support. Under clinical supervision, you will participate in crisis intervention activities, facilitate peer support groups, assist in the delivery of treatment and substance abuse recovery services, and model wellness principles through your own example. You will also document services and maintain accurate client records in accordance with organizational policies and participate in treatment team meetings and case consultations. What We're Looking For Education and Certification High school diploma or equivalent required Certified Peer Support Specialist certification preferred, or willingness to obtain within a defined timeframe The Essential Qualification: Lived Experience Current or former recipient of mental health services and/or substance use disorder services Demonstrated recovery and wellness in personal life Self-knowledge and self-awareness of your mental health diagnosis/illness and/or substance use disorder Willingness to use and share your personal experience, knowledge, and first-hand insight professionally and appropriately Skills and Competencies SHL's Universal Competency Framework recognizes that the most effective human-service professionals combine deep interpersonal skill with emotional intelligence — and this role is no exception. We are looking for candidates who demonstrate: Empathy and active listening — the ability to truly hear another person's experience without judgment Relationship building — genuine capacity to create trust, build rapport, and foster connection with individuals across diverse backgrounds Communication — ability to share personal recovery story appropriately and professionally, and to tailor messages to individuals in crisis Cultural competency — ability to work respectfully with diverse populations and encourage inclusion Boundary management — ability to maintain professional boundaries while leveraging lived experience Crisis response readiness — crisis intervention skills, or willingness to be trained in evidence-based de-escalation techniques Collaboration — ability to work as an effective and contributing member of a multidisciplinary treatment team Computer literacy — ability to document services and maintain electronic health records Experience Previous peer support or related experience preferred Experience working with individuals facing mental health and/or substance use challenges preferred Working at The Centers — What to Expect The Environment. You will work primarily within our crisis receiving center — a fast-paced, high-intensity setting where individuals come to us in acute mental health and substance use crises. This environment demands emotional resilience, professional composure, and an unwavering commitment to your own wellness as the foundation for supporting others. Physical Requirements. This role requires the ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods, respond quickly to crisis situations, assist clients with activities of daily living, and maintain visual and auditory awareness of the environment at all times. Schedule. Crisis receiving centers operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. You may be scheduled for variable shifts including days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Shifts may be 8, 10, or 12 hours, and on-call responsibilities may apply. Schedule flexibility is required. Emotional Demands and Support. We take seriously the emotional weight of this work. You will have regular access to clinical supervision and peer support to help you process difficult situations, maintain your wellness, and sustain your recovery — because your wellbeing matters to us, and it is foundational to your effectiveness in this role. Safety. Completion of crisis intervention and de-escalation training is required. You will adhere to all facility safety protocols, participate in safety drills, and follow universal precautions and infection control measures. Additional Conditions. This role involves regular interaction with law enforcement, emergency medical services, and first responders. A background check is required. Ongoing training in crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, and safety procedures is a condition of employment. Why The Centers? The Centers is committed to a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We recognize that lived experience is a professional credential — one that is irreplaceable in building authentic connections with individuals navigating some of the hardest moments of their lives. We are proud to be a SEIU-represented employer, and we are committed to the ongoing wellness and professional growth of every member of our team. How to Apply If you are ready to bring your story, your strength, and your commitment to recovery into meaningful work that transforms lives, we encourage you to apply. The Centers is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. This position is subject to a background check.