Forensic Peer Specialist

South County Mental Health Center; Delray Beach (FL); On-site; USD 23,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off

Life and long-term disability coverage

Voluntary benefit options

401(k) with employer match

Job summary

South County Mental Health Center, Inc. is seeking a compassionate Peer Specialist in Forensics to provide peer support services, advocacy, and recovery-focused case management to individuals receiving behavioral health services.

This role serves as a recovery role model, using lived experience to help clients reach wellness goals and access resources.

Qualifications

• Must be a consumer of mental health services.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; college degree not required.
• Basic computer proficiency and ability to learn electronic medical record systems.
• Valid driver’s license with reliable transportation preferred.
• Recovery Peer Specialist training approved by the Florida Certification Board.

Responsibilities

• Provide face-to-face peer support services to clients.
• Provide telephonic support and follow-up services.
• Promote client rights, advocacy, and self-determination.
• Meet with clients in the Outpatient Department and CSU to provide support.
• Assist clients with applications for benefits and community services.
• Refer clients to appropriate treatment, housing, and support resources.
• Adhere to Florida Certification Board standards governing Peer Specialist activities.

Skills

Recovery peer specialist

Advocacy

Empathy

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

EMR systems

Job description

Position Summary

South County Mental Health Center, Inc. is seeking a compassionate and motivated Peer Specialist in Forensics to provide peer support services, advocacy, and recovery-focused case management to individuals receiving behavioral health services. This position serves as a role model for recovery by using lived experience to support clients in achieving wellness goals, accessing resources, and building independence. The Peer Specialist works collaboratively with clinical teams while promoting hope, empowerment, and client-centered care.

About Us

South County Mental Health Center, Inc. is a private, non-profit, Joint Commission-accredited behavioral healthcare provider serving Southeast Palm Beach County. We are dedicated to delivering compassionate, high-quality mental health services to individuals and families in our community.

Minimum Qualifications

• Aiming completion of the 40-hour Recovery Peer Specialist training approved by the Florida Certification Board
• Must be a consumer of mental health services
• High school diploma or equivalent required; college degree not required
• Basic computer proficiency and ability to learn electronic medical record systems
• Valid driver’s license with reliable transportation preferred

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Recovery Peer Specialist in the State of Florida or actively working toward certification
• Experience working or volunteering as a Recovery Peer Specialist
• Experience in client advocacy, peer education, or behavioral health support services
• Knowledge of community resources and entitlement programs
• Experience working with adult and geriatric populations

Duties and Responsibilities

Client Advocacy, Peer Support & Client Care

• Provide face-to-face peer support services to clients
• Provide telephonic support and follow-up services
• Promote client rights, advocacy, and self-determination
• Meet with clients in the Outpatient Department and CSU to provide support
• Assist clients with applications for benefits and community services
• Refer clients to appropriate treatment, housing, and support resources
• Adhere to Florida Certification Board standards governing Peer Specialist activities

Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) Support

• Introduce clients to the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) model
• Assist clients in developing and maintaining individualized WRAP plans
• Monitor progress toward wellness goals
• Identify and address barriers to recovery planning

Documentation & Care Coordination

• Document services in the electronic medical record accurately and timely
• Develop and review individual treatment and goal plans
• Assist with prior authorizations and required service documentation
• Maintain accurate case management records

Teamwork & Collaboration

• Attend department meetings, case staffing, and trainings as requested
• Meet regularly with supervisor for guidance and support
• Collaborate with clinical staff to coordinate client care
• Assist with onboarding or training of new peer specialists, interns, and volunteers

Core Competencies

• Strong empathy, professionalism, and recovery-oriented mindset
• Ability to build rapport and motivate clients
• Knowledge of client rights and advocacy principles
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to recognize crisis situations and seek assistance appropriately
• Organizational skills and attention to documentation requirements
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team

Physical Demands

• Frequent walking, sitting, standing, and community travel
• Ability to operate standard office equipment and computers
• May transport clients to appointments or services
• Occasional outdoor activity required

Working Conditions

• Office, outpatient clinic, and community-based environments
• Frequent interaction with clients experiencing behavioral health challenges
• Standard weekday schedule with occasional flexibility based on client needs

Performance Standards

• Quality and timeliness of peer support services
• Accuracy and completion of documentation
• Client engagement and progress toward recovery goals
• Compliance with agency and certification standards
• Collaboration with team members and supervisors

Schedule & Work Details

Full-Time Position

Schedule: Monday – Friday (hours may vary based on organizational needs)

Location: In-person (Delray Beach, FL)

Pay: $17/hour uncertified, $21/hour certified

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Life and long-term disability coverage
• Voluntary benefit options
• 401(k) with employer match

Additional Information

• Background check required
• Drug-free workplace
• Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)

We are a drug free employer.

South County Mental Health Center, Inc is an EOE.