Certified Peer Recover Specialist

ems; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Family and Medical Leave

Health insurance reimbursement

Retirement savings plan

Job summary

EMS is seeking a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist to support clients living with mental health, substance use, or co-occurring challenges. This onsite position in Baltimore provides peer mentoring, recovery planning, and skill-building within a supportive housing setting.

The role emphasizes living recovery, client empowerment, and collaboration with clinical teams. A Maryland peer credential is required, with CPR/First Aid training or the ability to obtain it within 30 days.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Maryland Certified Peer Recovery Specialist credential required.
• Personal lived recovery experience required.
• Minimum 1 year in behavioral health or related human services preferred.
• CPR/First Aid certification required or obtainable within 30 days.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one peer support to individuals in recovery.
• Use lived experience to promote hope, empowerment, and resiliency.
• Assist with recovery planning, goal setting, coping skills, and resource connections.
• Facilitate peer-led groups and wellness activities.
• Collaborate with counselors and program staff to support client goals.

Skills

Empathy

Active listening

De-escalation

Peer support

Documentation in EHR

Education

High school diploma or GED

Maryland Certified Peer Recovery Specialist credential

Job description

Location

Baltimore, MD

Job Type

Full-Time, Part-Time, W-2 Employee

Work Setup

Onsite

Schedule

Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM or Saturday - Sunday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM

Pay Rate

$15.00–$25.00 per hour, based on experience, credentials, and budget

Job Description

Use your lived experience to inspire hope, support recovery, and help clients build stability.

We are seeking a compassionate and dependable Certified Peer Recovery Specialist to provide peer-based recovery support, skill-building services, and residential support to individuals with mental health, substance use, or co-occurring challenges.

This role is ideal for someone who is committed to recovery, person-centered care, and helping clients build confidence, independence, and community connection. Services are provided onsite in a supportive housing setting, with some community-based support as assigned.

The Certified Peer Recovery Specialist will support clients through peer mentoring, recovery planning, skill-building, documentation, wellness activities, and coordination with program teams.

Key Responsibilities

Peer Recovery Support

• Provide one-on-one peer support to individuals in recovery from mental health, substance use, or co-occurring challenges.
• Use lived experience to promote hope, empowerment, resiliency, and self-advocacy.
• Assist clients with recovery planning, goal setting, coping skills, and community resource connections.
• Facilitate or co-facilitate recovery groups, wellness activities, and peer-led workshops.

Skill-Building and Community Support

• Support clients with daily living skills, including hygiene, transportation, budgeting, cooking, cleaning, and appointment follow-through.
• Help clients navigate housing, employment, legal, benefits, and community support systems.
• Promote independence, wellness, and recovery-oriented decision-making.
• Collaborate with counselors, nurse case managers, supervisors, and program staff to support client goals.

Residential and Program Support

• Help maintain a safe, structured, and supportive residential environment.
• Conduct room checks, document daily observations, and communicate tenant concerns as needed.
• Support medication access protocols, safety drills, wellness activities, and resident engagement.
• Report maintenance needs, safety concerns, incidents, or behavioral changes promptly.

Documentation and Compliance

• Complete accurate and timely progress notes, logs, and required documentation in the electronic health record system.
• Follow confidentiality, HIPAA, COMAR, CARF, Medicaid, and agency documentation standards.
• Participate in supervision, trainings, team meetings, audits, and quality improvement activities.
• Maintain ethical peer practice and healthy professional boundaries.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid Maryland Certified Peer Recovery Specialist credential required.
• Personal lived experience with recovery from substance use and/or mental health challenges required.
• Minimum 1 year of sustained recovery strongly preferred.
• At least 1 year of experience in behavioral health, social services, supportive housing, or human services preferred.
• Must pass background check and complete all required onboarding and training.
• CPR/First Aid certification required or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation preferred.

COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS

• Strong ability to connect with clients through empathy, respect, and lived experience.
• Knowledge of recovery pathways, peer support values, and trauma-informed care.
• Strong communication, active listening, and de-escalation skills.
• Ability to document clearly and accurately in an electronic health record.
• Dependable, trustworthy, organized, and ethical.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team.
• Compassionate, recovery-focused, and culturally responsive approach.

What We Offer

Eligible employees may receive Paid Time Off, Family and Medical Leave, health/medical/dental insurance reimbursement or available health coverage, supplemental health and disability insurance options, retirement savings plan, and professional development support.