Peer Support Specialist at NOVA BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, INC. – Dayton, Ohio

About the Role:

The Peer Support Specialist plays a vital role in providing empathetic, lived-experience-based support to individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges. This position focuses on fostering hope, empowerment, and recovery by building trusting relationships and offering guidance grounded in personal experience and professional training. The specialist collaborates closely with clinical teams to complement therapeutic interventions and enhance overall care plans. Through group facilitation and one-on-one interactions, the role aims to improve clients' coping skills, resilience, and engagement with treatment resources. Ultimately, the Peer Support Specialist contributes to creating a supportive environment that promotes sustained recovery and improved quality of life for those served.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Demonstrated lived experience with mental health or substance use recovery.
• Peer Support Recovery Certification (Required).
• Valid Ohio Drivers License
• Basic knowledge of mental health and behavioral health concepts.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical guidelines.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with motivational interviewing techniques.
• Background in human services or related fields.
• Familiarity with psychotherapy principles and mental health counseling.
• Experience facilitating group sessions or support groups.
• Previous work in healthcare or social assistance settings.

Responsibilities:

• Provide peer-based emotional support and encouragement to individuals experiencing mental health or substance use disorders.
• Works in collaboration with the agency treatment team to ensure continuity of care by assisting clients in effectively functioning within or preparing for re-integration into the community and facilitating community tenure.
• Participates in unit staff meetings and other treatment activities as assigned.
• Attends client related meetings, arrange case conferences, court staffing/status meetings, trainings, and other meetings.
• Works with community agencies and resources to educate and assist clients in securing and maintaining benefits.
• Observe and enforce compliance of agency policies and procedures and program rules and report unusual occurrences or events.
• Facilitate group sessions that promote skill-building, mutual support, and community connection among participants.
• Collaborate with healthcare providers, counselors, and case managers to ensure coordinated and comprehensive care.
• Maintain accurate documentation of client interactions and progress in accordance with organizational policies and confidentiality standards.

Skills:

The required skills such as motivational interviewing and mental health counseling are essential for effectively engaging clients and supporting their recovery journeys. Behavioral health knowledge enables the specialist to understand complex client needs and collaborate with clinical teams. Group facilitation skills are used daily to create safe, inclusive spaces where clients can share experiences and build community. Proficiency in human services principles ensures that support is delivered with respect and cultural sensitivity. Preferred skills like psychotherapy familiarity and prior healthcare experience enhance the specialist’s ability to integrate peer support within broader treatment frameworks, improving client outcomes.