Peer Recovery Specialist I

Alpharus Health; Jacksonville (IL); On-site; USD 23,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

403(b) Retirement Plan

Disability and Life Insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

PSLF program

Paid time off

Job summary

Alpharus Health in Jacksonville, IL is seeking a Peer Recovery Specialist I to provide recovery‑oriented support to patients with substance use disorders. You will draw on lived experience and training to foster hope, purpose, and empowerment while contributing to individualized recovery plans and participating in treatment team meetings.

The role requires a high school diploma, 1 year of mental health knowledge, and the ability to obtain a Peer Recovery Specialist certification within a year.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• At least 1 year of mental health or substance use knowledge and experience.
• Must obtain Peer Recovery Specialist certification within 1 year of hire.
• Ability to engage patients and support recovery journeys.
• Ability to work independently and in a multidisciplinary team.
• Familiarity with recovery principles, trauma‑informed care, and harm reduction.
• Proficiency with electronic health records documentation.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a caseload for patients in residential and outpatient programs.
• Assess needs and develop individualized recovery plans with patients.
• Provide 20–25 hours weekly of direct peer support (in‑person/telehealth).
• Document recovery plans and progress in the EHR.
• Identify community resources to support recovery journeys.
• Coordinate transportation to services per the recovery plan.
• Participate in interdisciplinary staffing to support care coordination.
• Contribute to peer recovery team meetings to evaluate outcomes.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Active listening

Communication

Team collaboration

Documentation

EHR proficiency

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Certification as Peer Recovery Specialist within 1 year

Job description

Peer Recovery Specialist I

Location: 1300 Lincoln Rd, Jacksonville, IL 62650

Position Type: Full Time

Work Schedule: Varies

Requisition Number: 34396

Post Date: Sep 4, 2026

Who is Alpharus Health?

Alpharus Health is a national nonprofit behavioral health provider dedicated to helping people build healthier lives. For nearly 60 years, we have provided substance use and mental health treatment that helps individuals, families, and communities find healing, hope, and lasting wellbeing. Our mission is simple: We help people build healthier lives. By combining clinical expertise with a person-centered approach, we help people build the skills, resilience, and support systems needed to create meaningful, lasting change.

Why join us?

Consider joining our team, where your impact can be truly meaningful. Our organization focuses on delivering high quality clinical services as a recognized leader in evidence-based treatment proven to get results. By joining our team, you'll be working for an organization that values you and aims to be an employer of choice. You can expect to be part of a vibrant culture that emphasizes teamwork and professional growth. When you join us, you have the opportunity to find both personal and professional fulfillment by aligning your career with your values.

Peer Recovery Specialist Summary

Responsible for providing recovery-oriented support services to patients with substance use disorders.

Leverages experience and training to foster hope, purpose, and empowerment in patients actively engaged in their recovery journey. Contributes to the development and implementation of individualized recovery support plans and participates in treatment team meetings and individual patient planning meetings.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintains a caseload as determined during the admissions process for patients participating in residential and outpatient treatment services.
• Conducts assessments to identify the need for support services and works collaboratively with patients to develop individualized recovery support plans that emphasize purpose, mindfulness, and personal goals.
• Provides a minimum of 20-25 hours each week of direct individualized in-person, telephonic or virtual peer support services.
• Maintains accurate and timely documentation of recovery plans, interventions, resources and progress notes in the electronic health record in accordance with policies, procedures, and regulatory and accreditation standards.
• Participates in ongoing recovery support services by identifying community resources and connecting patients with the appropriate services to further support their recovery journey.
• Assists with the coordination of transportation to supported services in the community as identified in recovery plan.
• Identifies relapse prevention strategies to support patients in managing and coping with triggers and high-risk situations and assists patients in building and sustaining a recovery-oriented social network to engage in healthy, meaningful activities.
• Participates in interdisciplinary case staffing meetings to discuss care coordination and ensure peer‑informed care.
• Contributes expertise in regular peer recovery team meetings to evaluate program effectiveness and individual patient progress.

REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 1 year of mental health and/or substance use knowledge and experience.
• Ability to participate and complete required supervised work experience and obtain a certification as a Peer Recovery Specialist within 1 year of hire.
• Demonstrated ability to leverage recovery experience to engage patients during their recovery journey.
• Demonstrated interpersonal, communication, and active listening skills to assess individual needs and develop individual support plans.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Familiarity with recovery principles, trauma‑informed care, and harm reduction approaches.
• Ability to learn and become proficient in using electronic health records to maintain entry and maintain treatment documentation.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively with others, in groups or individually, to gather and present information.
• Ability to respond to telephone and email inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Ability to use a keyboard and display screen to receive, retrieve, and/or review information and data on a regular basis.
• Ability to continually proofread, check and verify data and information from printed to digital documents.
• Ability to travel to various locations by vehicle to meet with patients and/or attend meetings and training.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Works in a normal office environment where there are relatively few discomforts due to dust, dirt, noise and the like.
• May be exposed to inclement weather, when traveling to various locations.
• Some exposure to hazards when driving, but potential for harm is limited if safe vehicle operation procedures are followed.

Compensation (based on experience and credentials)

• Range begins at $16.92/hr - $24.47/hr
• Starting rates are determined based on years of experience, qualifications, and relevant skills.
• Alpharus Health conducts annual performance reviews, with merit increase eligibility determined by employee performance and organizational financial performance.

Benefits at Alpharus:

• Health and Wellness:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents
  • Employee wellness program promoting health and fitness and offering cash‑saving premiums
  • Employee assistance programs focused on mental health
• Financial Wellbeing:
  • 403(b) Retirement Plan with 3% employer match
  • Short‑term and Long‑term Disability and Life and AD&D Insurance paid for by Alpharus
  • Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Flexibility and Time Off:
  • 18 paid time off days per year - accrual rates increase with years of service
  • 9 paid company holidays
  • Work‑life‑balance
• Personal Development:
  • Training & Development Programs
  • Tuition Reimbursement - up to $5,250 per calendar year
  • eLearning access to online courses that provide CEU's and job‑related training
  • Clinical Supervision: Formal and informal guidance

Alpharus Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here.

Nearest Major Market: Springfield