Certified Peer Specialist - Library Outreach

University Health; United States; On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

University Health seeks a Certified Peer Specialist to support library patrons across Kansas City Public Library branches, using lived experience to foster recovery, hope, and access to services. This is a full-time, team-based role that blends peer support, crisis intervention, and personalized care coordination within a fast-paced library environment.

You will engage with staff and patrons, applying trauma-informed approaches and respectful boundary-setting.

Qualifications

• High School Degree or GED.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Personal lived experience with recovery from behavioral health and/or substance use disorder.
• Must have CPS credential or obtain within 9 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Conduct patron and staff engagement via regular rounding within the library to build relationships with staff and patrons, with a focus on difficult-to-engage patrons, de-escalation, and resource referrals.
• Peers remain visible and accessible to patrons and staff when on duty.
• Act as a resource and role model for library staff, supporting effective customer interactions by utilizing de-escalation techniques in accordance with the agreed-upon process and trauma-informed approaches.
• Collaborate daily with library branch staff and security in serving patrons with life challenges.
• Demonstrate good boundaries regarding confidentiality and personal relationships, while at the same time having the ability to share personal recovery story.
• Complete administrative tasks as required including timesheets, basic documentation, Peer check-ins, etc.

Skills

Strong verbal communication

Strong written communication

Lived experience with recovery

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Education

High School Diploma or GED

CPS credential (Certified Peer Specialist)

Job description

University Health seeks a Certified Peer Specialist to support library patrons across Kansas City Public Library branches, using lived experience to foster recovery, hope, and access to services. This is a full-time, team-based role that blends peer support, crisis intervention, and personalized care coordination within a fast-paced library environment.

You will engage with staff and patrons, applying trauma-informed approaches and respectful boundary-setting.