Certified Peer Support Specialist at Adult & Teen Challenge of Sandhills North Carolina – Carthage, North Carolina

About the Role:

The Certified Peer Support Specialist plays a vital role in providing empathetic, lived-experience-based support to individuals navigating mental health, substance use, or other behavioral health challenges. This position focuses on fostering hope, empowerment, and recovery by sharing personal experiences and offering guidance through the recovery process. The specialist collaborates closely with clinical teams and community resources to ensure clients receive comprehensive, person-centered care. By building trusting relationships, the specialist helps clients develop coping strategies, set goals, and access necessary services to improve their overall well-being. Ultimately, this role contributes to enhancing the quality of life for individuals while promoting resilience and self-advocacy within diverse communities across the United States.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Certification as a Peer Support Specialist from a recognized state or national accrediting body.
• Demonstrated personal experience with recovery from mental health or substance use challenges.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical guidelines in peer support services.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with diverse populations.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working within professional, scientific, or technical service environments related to behavioral health.
• Additional training or certification in trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, or crisis intervention.
• Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems and data entry protocols.
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities to support clients from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
• Prior experience facilitating group sessions or community outreach programs.

Responsibilities:

• Provide one-on-one peer support and mentoring to individuals experiencing behavioral health challenges, utilizing personal recovery experiences to inspire and motivate.
• Facilitate support groups and recovery-oriented activities that encourage community building and shared learning among participants.
• Collaborate with healthcare providers, case managers, and social service agencies to coordinate care plans and connect clients with appropriate resources.
• Advocate for clients’ needs and preferences within treatment settings, ensuring their voices are heard and respected.
• Maintain accurate documentation of client interactions, progress, and outcomes in compliance with organizational policies and confidentiality standards.

Skills:

The Certified Peer Support Specialist utilizes active listening and empathetic communication daily to build rapport and trust with clients, which is essential for effective peer support. Problem-solving and advocacy skills are employed to help clients navigate complex healthcare and social service systems, ensuring they receive appropriate care and resources. Organizational skills are critical for managing caseloads, documenting interactions accurately, and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams. Knowledge of trauma-informed approaches and motivational techniques enhances the specialist’s ability to support clients through challenging situations and foster sustained recovery. Additionally, cultural competence and adaptability enable the specialist to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, promoting inclusivity and respect in all interactions.