Dispatch/ Peer Recovery Specialist (6062)

Center for Family Services; Camden (NJ); On-site; USD 34,000 - 49,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Sick pay

Personal time off

Flexible Spending Accounts

Health & Wellness Activities

Ongoing Training & Development

Advancement opportunities

Job summary

Center for Family Services in Camden, NJ, seeks a Part-Time Peer Support Specialist to provide crisis support using lived experience. You will build trust, offer emotional support, and help clients access ongoing services during and after crises.

This 16-hour-per-week position requires CPRS or commitment to certification within 6 months, plus a valid driver's license and ability to travel to community locations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• CPRS or similar credential (or willingness to obtain within 6 months).
• Lived experience with recovery from mental health or related backgrounds.
• Strong interpersonal and community engagement skills.
• Ability to manage boundaries and maintain confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Provide emotional support, mentoring, and resource navigation during crises.
• Connect clients to ongoing services and referrals post-crisis.
• Collaborate with counselors and clinicians for follow-up care.
• Advocate for client autonomy and harm reduction practices.
• Document interactions and referrals in agency systems.
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, and outreach events.

Skills

Lived experience with recovery

Strong interpersonal skills

Community outreach

Documenting client interactions

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) or similar credential

Willingness to complete CPRS certification within 6 months

Job description

Job Status:Part Time

Salary: $30 per hour

Program Overview

The Camden City Community Crisis Response Team (CCRT) is a non-law enforcement, trauma-informed mobile crisis response program that provides rapid support to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises in Camden. CCRT teams consist of clinicians, counselors, care coordinators, and Peer Support Specialists who work together to stabilize situations and connect individuals to ongoing services while reducing reliance on emergency rooms, arrests, and law enforcement.

Position Summary

The Part-Time Peer Support Specialist uses lived experience with recovery-whether from mental health, substance use, homelessness, or justice system involvement-to support others during behavioral health crises. This role is essential in building trust with individuals, offering hope, and promoting recovery by providing emotional support, mentoring, and resource navigation during and after crisis response.

This is a part-time position scheduled for 16 hours per week, with required flexibility to work evening and weekend shifts as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) or similar credential, or willingness to complete certification within 6 months.
• Lived experience with recovery from mental health conditions, substance use, homelessness, or system involvement required.
• At least 1 year of relevant experience preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills and comfort working in the community.
• Ability to manage boundaries, confidentiality, and self-care in high-stress situations.
• Must be able to work a flexible part-time schedule.
• Valid driver's license, automobile insurance, and a clean driving record.
• Provide face-to-face support during behavioral health crises in the community.
• Share personal recovery experience to connect and build rapport with clients.
• Support clients in identifying strengths, goals, and next steps after crisis stabilization.
• Partner with counselors and clinicians to assist in referrals and follow-up care.
• Advocate for client autonomy and support harm reduction practices.
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, and outreach events.
• Document client interactions and referrals in compliance with agency standards.
• Educate the community about peer support and recovery principles.
• Adhere to all Center for Family Services and CCRT program policies.

Physical Demands

• Ability to travel to homes, hospitals, shelters, and other field locations.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds.

At the Center for Family Services our employees are our greatest resource and we are committed to investing in our staff. We offer a competitive benefits package as well as ongoing resources that will support staff on their personal and professional journey.*

• Sick pay and personal time off
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health & Wellness Activities
• Ongoing Training & Professional Development Opportunities
• Opportunity for advancement

Disclaimer Many positions require motor vehicle record evaluations and medical clearances. Center For Family Services is an equal opportunity employer offering competitive salaries and excellent benefits packages.