CERTIFIED PEER SPECIALIST

Abraxas Youth & Family Services; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Abraxas Youth & Family Services in Charlotte, NC seeks a Certified Peer Specialist to provide peer support, advocacy, and recovery-focused guidance to Persons in Recovery. You will draw on lived experience and training to help individuals manage wellness and build coping skills.

Responsibilities include delivering peer support, leading groups, coordinating services, educating families and staff, and maintaining accurate documentation in line with agency standards.

Qualifications

• Certification: Active Certified Peer Specialist (CPS).
• Education: High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Experience: Minimum of 2 years in mental health recovery.
• Ongoing Training: commit to 18 CE credits annually.

Responsibilities

• Deliver peer support and advocacy, engaging individuals in treatment.
• Teach recovery strategies and assist with independent living skills.
• Lead or co-facilitate support groups and skill-building sessions.
• Support person-centered goals per individual service plans.
• Educate family members and staff on recovery principles.
• Complete clear, timely clinical and service documentation.

Skills

Peer support

Group facilitation

Documentation

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Job Title:

Certified Peer Specialist

Reports To:

Program Director / Unit Director

Position Type:

Full-Time

Position Summary

The Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) provides peer support, advocacy, and recovery-focused guidance to Persons in Recovery (PIRs). Drawing from shared experience and professional training, the CPS helps individuals manage wellness, build coping skills, establish community support networks, and navigate their personal recovery process.

Key Responsibilities

• Peer Support & Advocacy: Deliver peer support, foster engagement in treatment, and advocate for individuals' needs and self-determination.
• Education & Skill Building: Teach recovery strategies, assist with independent living skills, and help participants develop personalized wellness plans (e.g., WRAP).
• Group Facilitation: Lead or co-facilitate support groups, community meetings, and skill-building sessions focused on symptom management and coping tools.
• Service Coordination: Support person-centered goals as outlined in individual service plans and educate family members and staff on recovery principles.
• Documentation: Complete clear, accurate clinical and service documentation in a timely manner per agency standards.
• Self-Care & Modeling: Maintain personal physical, mental, and emotional wellness to effectively model healthy functioning and resilience.

Qualifications

• Certification: Active Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) certification required.
• Education: High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Experience: Minimum of 2 years of experience working with individuals in mental health recovery.
• Ongoing Training: Commitment to completing at least 18 continuing education credits annually.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Physical Effort: Medium work-frequently exerting up to 20 lbs of force and occasionally up to 50 lbs to lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects.
• Mobility & Communication: Regular sitting, standing, walking, and active communication with participants and team members.