Lead Peer Support Specialist

Archdiocese of St. Louis; Missouri; On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Queen of Peace Center in St. Louis is seeking a Lead Peer Support Specialist as part of Catholic Charities. You will lead Crisis Counselors, perform field outreach with DMH, and support disaster-impacted communities in the City of St. Louis on a grant-funded assignment ending Feb 2027.

The role starts at $21/hour, with responsibilities including mentoring staff, ensuring data integrity, and coordinating with local officials and partner organizations to advance program outcomes.

Qualifications

• Missouri Peer Specialist certification required at time of hire.
• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Previous lived experience with mental health/substance use; in recovery for at least 2 years.
• Reliable vehicle, valid license and insurance required.
• Must be able to pass drug screen and background checks.
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Queen of Peace Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Responsibilities

• Directs the daily work of Crisis Counselors on the agency team.
• Models and mentors Crisis Counselors in how to work with people in need or in crisis.
• Updates the Program Manager on all essential program activities.
• Oversees and approves all the data forms entered into the system.
• Collaborates with local leaders and stakeholders including city government and public safety partners.
• Works with VOAD, LTRC, COAD and Case Managers.
• Directs/guides the Crisis Counselors in all activities while in the field.

Skills

Transportation availability

Interpersonal skills

Team leadership

Education

Missouri Peer Specialist certification

Bachelor’s degree

Recovery from mental health/substance use for 2+ years

Job description

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Since its founding in 1985, Queen of Peace Center (QOPC) has been providing family-centered behavioral healthcare for women, children, and families. As a member of the Federation of Catholic Charities, we serve the metropolitan and surrounding St. Louis area through four core programs: prevention, education, treatment, and housing.

POSITION SUMMARY

Catholic Charities of St. Louis, Queen of Peace Center, is seeking a Lead Peer Support Specialist. The LEAD Peer Support Specialist, as part of the CCP program with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of St. Louis service line Queen of Peace Center, will work on a community collaboration with Department of Mental Health (DMH) and other agencies in the City of St. Louis to perform field outreach to impacted communities of disaster, most recently the May 2025 tornado. Responsible to represent the agency efforts to outcomes in weekly meetings, provide service delivery in community, complete data entry requirements, and work directly with the Senior Director to manage service line-specific tasks and responsibilities. This is a full-time grant funded temporary position that ends in Feb. 2027. This short-term assignment offers an opportunity to gain valuable experience, expand your skills, and contribute to our mission. Employees in good standing who meet the minimum qualifications are welcome to apply for future openings; however, continued employment beyond the temporary assignment is not guaranteed.

Starting pay for this role is $21 per hour.

• Directs the daily work of the Crisis Counselors on the agency team.
• Models and mentors Crisis Counselors on how to work with people in need or in crisis.
• Updates the Program Manager on all essential program activities.
• Oversees and approves all the data forms entered into the system.
• Collaborates with local leaders and stakeholders including the fire and police departments, city government, county government, elected officials and the business community.
• Works with the various non-government entities including local Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD), Long Term Recovery Committees (LTRC), Community Organizations Active in Disasters (COAD), and Case Managers.
• Directs/guides the Crisis Counselors in all activities while in the field.

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess Missouri Peer Specialist certification at time of hire.
• Must possess a bachelor’s degree.
• Previous lived experience with mental health/substance use. Must be in recovery for a minimum of 2 full years.
• Must have a reliable vehicle, valid driver’s license and motor vehicle insurance.
• Must be able to pass a drug screen and background check or request an exception to the findings.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Queen of Peace Centerdoes not discriminate on the basis of handicapped status in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its federally assisted programs and activities. Queen of Peace Centeris an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, or disability.

Pre-Employment Screening All candidates receiving an employment offer must submit a pre-employment screening. The screenings will include criminal background check and other background checks (as needed), Family Care Safety Registration, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, and Covid-19 and Influenza vaccination. Various positions will require physical examination, Tuberculosis screening and Hepatitis A. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Our Mission

To bring the healing, help, and hope of Jesus Christ to those in need with a compassionate, caring presence.

Providing family-centered care for women with substance-use disorders, their families, and at-risk youth through treatment, prevention and education, and housing.

As a part of the Catholic Charitiesfamily, you’ll have the resources to care for those closest to you. Options include generous parental leave policies, flexible working arrangements, group life insurance, permanent health insurance, and dedicated support to help you find the right child care or elder care.