Description
Peer Support Specialist
Peer Support Specialist must have "lived experience" with their own mental health challenges in the past. The Peer Support Specialist provides individual support to consumers within the community that may be experiencing mental health care challenges. They help clients and their families to identify skills, life goals, and resources that they can use to enhance their own wellness and achieve their life goals. The Peer Support Specialist uses a strength-based approach to inspire hope and to develop mutuality in peer-to-peer relationships.
Accountabilities:
- Engage individuals with a dual diagnosis of mental illness and substance abuse in specific recovery plans and interventions related to mental health symptoms and substance abuse and develop positive, hopeful, and trusting relationships.
- Train and coach individuals in positive skill-building techniques for improved life management (e.g., problem solving, identifying and overcoming fears and negative self-talk).
- Recognize and demonstrate sensitivity to cultural and ethnic differences.
- Help others succeed by demonstrating exceptional interpersonal skills, the ability to work effectively with persons with severe and persistent mental illness and addiction and the ability to react constructively in a wide variety of situations.
- Effectively manage conflict, promote change and growth, and inspire the development of all clients served.
- Model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies.
- Value and respect every individual’s recovery experience.
- Assist clients in initiating and maintaining relationships with other agencies, self-help groups and external resources.
- Complete all documentation and reporting requirements thoroughly and on time.
- Interact positively and in cooperation with other members of the organization and team, including active participation in supervision activities, team meetings, continuing education, etc.
- Regularly travel and transport clients and/or families in and around the region, and provide direct care and support as needed.
Requirements
Qualifications:
Education: High School diploma or GED equivalent. Current or recent studies in behavioral healthcare a plus. Complete Certified Peer Support Training and the Peer Support Certification exam within 6 months of employment
Experience: Have a minimum of one year in recovery as evidenced by one year of sobriety and free of psychiatric hospital admissions for at least one year. The provider must self-identify as a former primary consumer of behavioral healthcare services and lived experience with addiction recovery.
Skills & Abilities:
- Demonstrated working knowledge of recovery and wellness philosophy and behavioral healthcare and substance abuse field.
- Ability to establish relationships with individuals and organizations of influence within the social services community, including civic groups, charitable agencies, related government entities, fundraising sources, etc.
A commitment to professionalism, confidentiality, and person-centered care.
Requirements- Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
- Reliable transportation with current comprehensive automobile insurance.
- Willingness to provide proof of vehicle inspection or complete one within the past year.
- Ability to travel throughout the service area.
- Successful completion of criminal background screening and Kansas Child Abuse/Neglect Registry clearance.
- Ability to perform essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
This position is based from a central office but primarily serves individuals in the community. Frequent travel to homes, community agencies, healthcare providers, and other locations is required. The work is fast-paced and often involves balancing multiple priorities while providing compassionate, person-centered support.
Why Join Our Team?Recovery is possible—and your story can make a difference.
As a Peer Support Specialist, you'll have the opportunity to use your lived experience to empower others, reduce stigma, and help individuals build meaningful, fulfilling lives. You'll work alongside a supportive behavioral health team committed to hope, recovery, and improving the lives of the people we serve.
Skills Required
- High school diploma or GED
- Coursework in behavioral health, psychology, social work, or related field
- Successfully complete Certified Peer Support training and obtain Peer Support Certification within six months of hire
- Self-identify as a person with lived experience receiving behavioral health services
- At least one year of sustained recovery, including one year of sobriety
- No psychiatric hospitalizations within the past two years
- Lived experience with both mental health recovery and substance use recovery
- Strong understanding of recovery principles, wellness, behavioral health, and substance use recovery
- Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills
- Ability to motivate, encourage, and support individuals from diverse backgrounds
- Strong conflict resolution and communication skills
- Experience working collaboratively with community partners and social service organizations
- Cultural awareness and sensitivity to diverse populations
- Ability to maintain accurate documentation and manage multiple priorities
- Commitment to professionalism, confidentiality, and person-centered care
- Valid driver's license with a clean driving record
- Reliable transportation with current comprehensive automobile insurance
- Willingness to provide proof of vehicle inspection or complete one within the past year
- Ability to travel throughout the service area
- Successful completion of criminal background screening and Kansas Child Abuse/Neglect Registry clearance
- Ability to perform essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation
What We Do
Wyandot Behavioral Health Network is a family of organizations serving the mental health needs of Wyandotte County, Kansas, and beyond. The organization provides comprehensive mental health services and substance use treatment, supporting individuals and families with whole-person care, including therapy, psychiatric care, case management, and supportive housing solutions.
