Peer Recovery Specialist | Mental Health

Collaborative Support Programs of NJ; Hackensack (NJ); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental & Vision

PTO & Holidays

NJ Driver’s License required

Job summary

Collaborative Support Programs of NJ (CSPNJ) seeks a full-time Peer Recovery Specialist to support the Wellness Center, promote recovery, wellness, and community connection under the Center Manager.

You will work with the Wellness Mentors and members to plan, coordinate, and implement Wellness Center activities, creating a welcoming, recovery-oriented environment where members can access support and build skills.

Qualifications

• Must have lived experience and at least 2 years of continuous recovery from SMI or SUD diagnosis.
• Must have peer certification.
• High School Diploma or equivalent with 2+ years of work experience in mental health field.
• Strong communication, patience, and emotional resilience.
• Ability to engage and support individuals with mental health and/or substance use issues.
• Willingness to disclose current or prior use of mental health/substance use services.

Responsibilities

• Support the day-to-day operations of the Wellness Center in collaboration with the Center Manager and Wellness Mentors.
• Engage with members in a respectful, person-centered, and recovery-focused manner.
• Help plan and facilitate wellness, educational, recreational, and peer-support activities.
• Encourage member participation and create opportunities for social connection and community engagement.
• Use personal lived experience to promote hope, recovery, and empowerment.
• Assist members in identifying and accessing community resources and supportive services.
• Identify community resources and opportunities that may benefit Wellness Center members.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Empathy

Trauma-informed

Patience

Critical thinking

Education

Peer Certification (CRSP/CPRS/NCRPSS)

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

MS Office

Job description

CSPNJ, a mental health nonprofit agency, is seeking a full-time Peer Recovery Specialist to support the daily operations of our Wellness Center and promote recovery, wellness, and community connection. Under the direction of the Center Manager, the Peer Recovery Specialist works closely with the Manager, Wellness Mentors, and Center members to plan, coordinate, and implement Wellness Center activities and operations. The position plays an important role in creating a welcoming, recovery-oriented environment where members can access support, build connections, develop skills, and pursue their personal wellness goals.

Highlights

• Support the day-to-day operations of the Wellness Center in collaboration with the Center Manager and Wellness Mentors.
• Engage with members in a respectful, person-centered, and recovery-focused manner.
• Help plan and facilitate wellness, educational, recreational, and peer-support activities.
• Encourage member participation and create opportunities for social connection and community engagement.
• Use personal lived experience, when appropriate, to promote hope, recovery, and empowerment.
• Assist members in identifying and accessing community resources and supportive services.
• Identify community resources and opportunities that may benefit Wellness Center members.

MUST have their Peer Certification!

Full-time | Benefit Eligible (Medical, free DMO dental & free vision) including 6 weeks PTO & 11 Holidays

Requirements

• Must have lived experience and at least 2 years of continuous recovery from SMI or SUD diagnosis.
• One of the following certifications is required: CRSP-Certified Recovery Support Practitioner, CPRS-Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, NCRPSS-National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist, Certified Wellness Coach or Community MH Associate Certificate.
• High School Diploma or equivalent with 2+ years of work experience in mental health field.
• A prominent level of patience and emotional resilience.
• The ability to remain calm under pressure when dealing with challenging situations.
• Great critical thinking skills and the ability to adapt and act accordingly to situations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively engage with individuals in crisis.
• Knowledge of wellness, the mental health system and community resources.
• Ability to make and maintain contacts and positive relationships with individuals who receive or have received mental health and/or substance abuse services.
• Willingness to disclose current or prior use of mental health and/or addiction services and speak openly on aspects of their individual recovery.
• Proven ability to engage and support individuals with mental health diagnoses using empathy, professionalism, and trauma-informed practices.
• Proficient in MS Office products as well as general computer literacy.
• Bilingual skills are a plus!
• MUST have a valid NJ Driver’s License with acceptable driving record!
• Lived Experience: CSPNJ prioritizes hiring people who use their own life experience dealing with mental health/substance use issues to inspire and support others.

Salary Description

Hourly Rate: $21.63