Certified Peer Support Specialist- Part Time

Meritus Health; Hagerstown (MD); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Short & long‑term disability

401k plan

Education assistance program

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Meritus Health is seeking a compassionate Peer Support Specialist to join our behavioral health team in Maryland. You will use lived experience to offer emotional support, share recovery insights, and help individuals access resources guiding lasting wellness.

You will motivate patients to engage in treatment, explore self-help options, and build confidence in their recovery journey. Your voice matters and makes a real difference.

Qualifications

• Self-identified current or former user of behavioral health services, or a family member with relatable lived experience.
• Minimum 2 years sobriety if in personal recovery (3–4 years preferred).
• At least 1 year of experience in a helping, health, or educational role is preferred.
• Certification as a Peer Support Specialist in Maryland required.
• Strong communication skills and basic computer proficiency required.
• Familiarity with local community resources preferred.
• Ability to build trust, listen with empathy, and support individuals with dignity and respect.

Responsibilities

• Motivate patients to engage in treatment and explore self-help options.
• Share recovery insights and help navigate resources to guide lasting wellness.
• Provide emotional support and foster hope and connection during recovery journeys.

Skills

Communication skills

Computer literacy

Empathy

Community resources

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Peer Support Specialist to join our behavioral health team. In this role, you will use your lived experience to offer meaningful emotional support, share recovery insights, and help individuals navigate the resources that can guide them toward lasting wellness. Your presence brings hope, encouragement, and connection to those working to overcome active substance use disorders.

As a Peer Support Specialist, you’ll play a key role in motivating patients to engage in treatment, explore self‑help options, and build confidence in their recovery journey. Your voice and experience matter—and they make a real difference.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

Experience

• A self‑identified current or former user of behavioral health services, or a family member with relatable lived experience.
• If in personal recovery, a minimum of 2 years of demonstrated sobriety is required, 3-4 years preferred.
• At least 1 year of experience in a helping, health, or educational role is preferred.

Licensure/Certification

• Certification as a Peer Support Specialist in Maryland required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong communication skills and basic computer proficiency required.
• Familiarity with local community resources is preferred.
• Ability to build trust, listen with empathy, and support individuals with dignity and respect.

Caring for Our Team

We offer a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees' well-being and professional growth. Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance available starting the 1st of the month following date of hire, along with life insurance, & short and long-term disability coverage. Paid Time Off begins accruing from day one, and we also provide a 401k plan, an education assistance program, and an employee assistance program. Additionally, employees working evening, night, or weekend shifts may be eligible for a shift differential, adding even more value to your role.

Happy to Help

At Meritus, we believe in a collaborative and caring work environment. Interactions are an opportunity to learn, listen and to be there for one another. Therefore, we provide warm welcomes, hospitality-driven closures, and are always Happy to Help.