Certified Peer Specialist

APM; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 27,552 - 30,307; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental & Vision

403B retirement

Paid Time Off

Employee Referral Bonus

Flexible Spending

EAP

Short/Long-term Disability

Job summary

APM in Philadelphia is seeking a Peer Specialist to provide recovery-oriented support to individuals on their recovery journey, drawing on lived experience with mental health or substance use. This is a full-time role (40 hours weekly) at our Philadelphia locations.

You will collaborate with clinical and support staff to help clients build self-advocacy, access resources, and follow individualized recovery plans, while maintaining documentation in the EHR and participating in team training.

Qualifications

• CPS credential required.
• Bilingual English and Spanish to communicate with clients and families.
• High school diploma or GED; post-secondary education preferred.
• Recovery experience and ability to share lived experience to support others.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one peer support using personal recovery experience.
• Facilitate and co-lead peer support groups and recovery activities.
• Assist clients in developing recovery plans and accessing resources.
• Collaborate with clinical and support staff to communicate progress.
• Maintain accurate documentation in the electronic health record (EHR).
• Participate in team meetings and professional development.
• Foster trauma-informed, culturally responsive environments.
• Support crisis planning and relapse prevention.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Excellent communication

Documentation skills

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) credential

Job description

Description

About APM

Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha (APM) has been helping families achieve their greatest potential since 1970 by providing early childhood education, foster care & adoption, child welfare, mental & behavioral health, community and economic development, housing, and community school services to the North Philadelphia communities.

Salary: $20-22 per hour depending on experience

Department: Behavioral Health

Job Type: Full Time (5 days a week, 40 hours in total), Non-Exempt (pays overtime)

Work Schedule and Locations:

• 4301 Rising Sun Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19140 – Open Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–3:30 PM or 8:30 AM–5:00 PM and Saturday, 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
• 3265 N Front Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140 – Open Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–6:00 PM; Saturday, 7:30 AM–4:00 PM and Saturday, 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

JOB SUMMARY

The Peer Specialist is a recovery-oriented team member who draws on lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery to provide support, advocacy, and mentorship to individuals on their recovery journey. Working collaboratively with clinical and support staff, the Peer Specialist helps clients build self-advocacy skills, connect with resources, and achieve personal goals that promote independence, wellness, and community integration.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide one-on-one peer support, using personal recovery experiences to build trust, offer hope, and empower clients.
• Facilitate and co-lead peer support groups and recovery-focused activities.
• Assist clients in developing and following individualized recovery plans.
• Help clients access behavioral health, substance use, housing, employment, and other community resources.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to communicate client needs, strengths, and progress.
• Support clients with crisis planning, relapse prevention, and early intervention strategies.
• Promote self-advocacy, resilience, and informed decision-making.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the electronic health record (EHR).
• Participate in team meetings, training, and professional development.
• Foster a welcoming, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive environment.
• Other duties as assigned

BENEFITS

• Independence Administrators Medical Insurance Plan or $100/month Reimbursement with Proof of Current Plan
• Livongo for Diabetes Prevention, Hypertension, and Weight Management (Only for Employees Who Elect Our Medical Insurance)
• Sword, A Virtual Physical Care Program for Back, Joint, and Muscle Pain (Only for Employees Who Elect Our Medical Insurance)
• WondrHealth for Weight Management (Only for Employees Who Elect Our Medical Insurance)
• Sun Life Financial Insurance Plans for Dental, Vision, Life and AD&D, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity
• Basic Life Insurance (100% Employer Funded)
• Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurances
• 403B Retirement Plan through Mutual of America
• Flexible Spending Accounts for Health, Childcare, Public Transportation, and Parking Expenses through The Harrison Group
• AllOne Health Employee Assistance Program at No Cost
• Employee Referral Program (You Can Earn Up to $600)
• 20 Days of Paid Time Off include Illness, Vacation, Appointments, and Emergencies
• 12 Days of Paid Holidays

Requirements

• Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) credential required.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is required to effectively communicate with clients and families
• High school diploma or GED (post-secondary education preferred).
• Lived experience of recovery from mental health and/or substance use challenges and a willingness to share that experience to support others.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport across diverse populations.
• Strong documentation, organizational, and time management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team setting while managing responsibilities independently.
• Knowledge of Philadelphia-area community resources.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.
• Local travel required.
• Commitment to confidentiality, ethical practice, and professional boundaries.
• Experience in behavioral health, substance use, or related human services.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed and recovery-oriented practices.