Certified Peer Recovery Specialist — Empowerment & Growth

Primary Health Care, Inc.; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 23,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous PTO

Paid holidays

401k with company match

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

Life & disability insurance

Flexible spending & HSA

Certification reimbursement

License/certification fee reimburse

Job summary

Primary Health Care, Inc. invites applicants for a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist based in Ames. You will provide one-on-one peer support, help peers assess recovery needs, and coordinate with treatment teams to set appointments and referrals.

You will document progress, advocate for peers, and participate in community events and evaluation activities. The role requires lived experience, trauma-informed care, and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Required: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Demonstrates competency in personal recovery and use of coping skills.
• Lived experience in substance use disorder, mental illness, or homelessness.
• Understands and applies principles of trauma informed and culturally competent care.
• Knowledge of local community and housing resources.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Team oriented.
• Proficiency with computers including Microsoft Office and ability to learn EHR and homeless management information systems.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to work with a diverse group.
• Demonstrates professionalism and empathy in high stress situations.
• Licenses & Certifications: Peer Recovery Specialist Certification from Iowa Board of Certification, Current Mandatory Reporter Training recognized by the State of Iowa; Valid Iowa Chauffeur’s License (Class D).
• Preferred: Familiarity with case management systems.
• Work experience with vulnerable populations.
• Work experience in a community health center.

Responsibilities

• Provides one-on-one support to assist peers in assessing needs and setting goals for recovery.
• Assist peers to work with their treatment team and/or case manager to achieve goals and referrals.
• Maintains communication between peers, care providers, and social supports.
• Maintains accurate peer support documentation.
• Advocates for peers to support their goals and recovery and emphasizes the peer voice.
• Participates in community events and presentations.
• Participates in performance improvement activities to evaluate programs and service systems.

Skills

Written and verbal communication

Team oriented

Interpersonal skills

Professionalism under stress

Empathy

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Electronic Health Record

Homeless management information systems

Job description

Primary Health Care, Inc. invites applicants for a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist based in Ames. You will provide one-on-one peer support, help peers assess recovery needs, and coordinate with treatment teams to set appointments and referrals.

You will document progress, advocate for peers, and participate in community events and evaluation activities. The role requires lived experience, trauma-informed care, and strong communication skills.