Peer Recovery Specialist

AC001 Acenda, Inc.; Cape May Court House (NJ); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Vision and Dental coverage

401(k) with employer match

Generous time-off

Employee Assistance Program

Year-end bonuses

Job summary

AC001 Acenda, Inc. is seeking a Peer Recovery Specialist to provide support services for individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges. This role involves directly engaging with clients within the Early Intervention Support Services program and requires a collaborative approach within a clinical team.

Candidates should possess a High School Diploma (Bachelor’s preferred) and a CPRS certification, or be willing to pursue one. A commitment to enhancing clients' lives and navigating supportive resources is essential.

Competitive pay starting at $19.23 hourly, a sign-on bonus of $750, and a full benefits package await the right candidate.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a High School Diploma; Bachelor’s degree preferred with experience in a recovery-oriented role.
• Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) or ability to work toward certification.
• Lived experience with substance use to support individuals.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for walk-ins and referral outreach.
• Provides individual peer sessions to clients in EISS.
• Maintains program documentation timeframes.
• Engages clients using motivational interviewing techniques.
• Works collaboratively in a team-based environment.

Skills

Peer support

Crisis intervention

Communication skills

Advocacy

Education

High School Diploma

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field

Job description

Job Title

Peer Recovery Specialist

About Acenda

Acenda Integrated Health provides 100+ behavioral health programs, including mental health services, crisis care, substance use recovery, family therapy, maternal and pediatric support, and residential programs across New Jersey. Our team enjoys competitive benefits, work‑life balance, professional development, and engaging events. Acenda is recognized as a multi‑year Top Workplace by USA Today and The Inquirer and a Top Workplace Culture award winner for Work‑Life Balance as well as Joint Commission accredited and certified by MHCA and the New Jersey Alliance for Children, Youth, and Families.

Job Overview

The Peer Recovery Specialist is an active member of the clinical team and provides peer support services to clients within the Acenda Early Intervention Support Services (EISS) program. The candidate serves individuals who may be experiencing persistent mental illness, addiction, and other physical or behavioral health needs. As an integrated health organization, Acenda values evidence‑based practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for walk‑ins and referral outreach, completes program enrollment and insurance verification, follows up on needed documentation and additional items for program entry.
• Works collaboratively on intake assessments and follow‑up session needs.
• Provides individual peer sessions to clients in EISS and maintains continuous communication as required by program.
• Maintains program documentation timeframes.
• Engages clients and utilizes de‑escalation techniques, as well as motivational interviewing.
• Demonstrates competent written and verbal communication with referral sources and external customers.
• Functions as a support to clients through advocacy, case management, and peer engagement; exhibiting competency in coping skills and in navigating and accessing supportive resources when needed.
• Upholds ethical standards in accordance with the Social Work Code of Ethics.
• Works in a team‑based environment to provide short‑term crisis support and linkages to individuals.
• Provides appropriate intervention strategies and adjusts services accordingly.
• Attentive and responsive to customer needs in a helpful, supportive and timely manner.
• Works collaboratively with coworkers and agency staff to effectively communicate and problem‑solve.
• Meets obligations of the program (contractual, licensing, Medicaid, etc.).
• Follows program policies and procedures and encourages the same in others.
• Educates self on issues impacting the program population.
• Operates conscientiously in accordance with program budget, including use of client‑engaging funds and office supplies.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Minimum of a High School Diploma; Bachelor’s degree preferred with experience in a recovery‑oriented role.
• Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) or ability to begin working toward certificate at start of position.
• Lived and personal experience with substance use to provide support to the people we are engaging with.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
• Must be sensitive, flexible and responsive to gender, race, ethnicity, socio‑economic status, religion, age, sexual orientation or any other special needs.
• Must be able to exercise independent thinking and good judgment under all circumstances.
• Must be able to analyze work, set goals, develop plans and utilize time effectively and efficiently.

Additional Information

• Hourly rate: $19.23
• Sign‑on Bonus: $750
• Bilingual‑Spanish Rate: $1.50 hourly rate added to pay.

Benefits

• Innovative culture that encourages growth and learning.
• Mission‑driven core with Health, Vision and Dental coverage for you and your family.
• 401(k) with 100% employer match on the first 5% of compensation.
• Generous time‑off.
• Life Insurance.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Year‑end bonuses.

Department/Program

Early Intervention Support Services - Cape May (EISSCM).

EEO Statement

Acenda Integrated Health is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.