Forensic Community Support Team (CST) Peer Support Specialist (4375)

ncgCARE; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plan (Anthem)

HSA/FSA

Dental plan (Delta Dental)

Vision plan (EyeMed)

Paid time off

401(k) / Roth IRA

Job summary

ncgCARE seeks a Forensic CST Peer Support Specialist to help clients develop wellness strategies, practice self-advocacy, navigate community resources, and strengthen natural supports. Services are delivered in the community and guided by recovery, empowerment, and person-centered care in line with the Forensic CST model.

Build recovery-oriented relationships, support engagement, and assist with daily living skills while collaborating with the treatment team to ensure housing stability and

Qualifications

• Lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery.
• Certified Peer Support Specialist in NC is required.
• Prior justice system involvement preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide peer support and encouragement based on lived experience.
• Meet with clients in the community and provide regular support and check-ins.
• Help clients access behavioral health, legal, housing, and community resources.
• Work with the treatment team to support client goals, wellness, and recovery.

Skills

Lived experience

Peer support

Recovery-oriented approach

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Details

• Job Location: Durham, NC 27707
• Position Type: Full Time
• Education Level: High School or High School Equivalent
• Salary Range: $21.15
• Travel Percentage: Local Travel

About Us

Since 2003, we've been assisting children, families and adults across North Carolina with their behavioral health needs. Carolina Outreach is a group of highly trained behavioral health professionals dedicated to promoting the emotional and physical well-being of our community in a safe and respectful environment.

We provide a comprehensive and integrative array of behavioral health services and supports for people of all ages with varying levels of need utilizing an equitable and inclusive approach.

We focus on helping our clients tap into and develop their inherent strengths with the goal of supporting the highest quality of life possible for all we serve.

About the Role

As a Forensic CST Peer Support Specialist, you will work closely with the Forensic CST team to assist clients in developing wellness strategies, practicing self-advocacy, navigating community resources, and strengthening natural supports. Services are delivered in the community and are guided by the principles of recovery, empowerment, and person-centered care in alignment with the Forensic CST model.

Position Highlights

• Build trusting, recovery-oriented relationships with clients by using lived experience to model hope and resilience.
• Support client engagement through community outreach, regular check-ins, and assistance with daily living and coping skills.
• Encourage self-advocacy and help clients navigate behavioral health, legal, and social service systems.
• Collaborate with the treatment team to provide recovery-focused input, promote housing stability, and ensure continuity of care.
• Must have experience working with individuals transitioning back to the community from incarceration.

This description outlines the general scope and level of work for this role. It is not intended to include every duty or responsibility that may be required of employees in this position.

Compensation

This position is a fixed rate, with compensation aligned to role responsibilities, experience, and contract parameters.

Compensation: $21.15

What To Expect

• Build supportive relationships with clients and encourage hope and recovery.
• Help clients develop coping skills, daily living skills, and wellness strategies.
• Support clients with self-advocacy and connecting to community resources.
• Work with the treatment team to support housing stability and ongoing care.

Responsibilities

• Provide peer support and encouragement based on lived experience.
• Meet with clients in the community and provide regular support and check-ins.
• Help clients access behavioral health, legal, housing, and community resources.
• Work with the treatment team to support client goals, wellness, and recovery.

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent

Certification / Licensure Requirements

• Must be a Certified Peer Support Specialist in the state of North Carolina

Experience / Knowledge Requirements

• Lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery
• Prior justice system involvement is preferred.

Why Join Us

We are focused on creating a model where clinicians are supported, not overloaded. You’ll have the flexibility to shape your schedule, the support to maintain a steady caseload, and the opportunity to grow within a stable, mission-driven organization.

Benefits

• Consumer‑driven health plan coverage provided by Anthem
• Wellness: When you enroll in a medical plan, you get complete…
• Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flex Spending Account (FSA)
• Two dental plan options available through Delta Dental, so you can choose the level of coverage that fits your needs and budget.
• Affordable vision plan available through EyeMed to keep your eyes healthy and your vision sharp.
• An optional Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account to reimburse yourself on a pre‑tax basis for childcare.
• Generous paid time off
• 401k or Roth IRA Retirement Programs administered by Empower
• Financial planning and education services at no cost to you
• Voluntary supplemental benefits (Accident, Critical Illness, Short-Term Disability)
• Educational Assistance (your position, date of hire and years of service determine your eligibility)
• Licensure Residency Program for Full-time Clinical Staff
• Advancement and Career Development Opportunities

Legal Notice

We are an equal opportunity employer. Employment is at-will and contingent upon successful completion of background checks and credential verification. We participate in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility in the United States. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Must be authorized to work in the United States. Compensation varies based on licensure, experience, and caseload. ncgCARE and all partner affiliates maintain a drug‑free workplace.