Peer Recovery Support

Anew Behavioral Health; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 24,796 - 35,817; Full time

Job summary

Anew Behavioral Health in Akron, OH is seeking a Peer Support Specialist to assist individuals recovering from substance use disorders. You will draw on your own recovery journey to provide empathy, encouragement, and guidance in both one-on-one and group settings, helping clients build recovery plans and access community resources.

This role emphasizes lived experience, active listening, and strong boundaries while working with a clinical team to support holistic care.

Qualifications

• Lived experience in recovery from SUD required.
• CPRS certification preferred or must be obtained within [X months] of hire.
• Knowledge of the 12-step programs and other recovery methodologies.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work with diverse populations and complex needs.
• Basic knowledge of community resources for individuals in recovery.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one peer support to individuals with substance use disorders, utilizing lived experience to establish trust and encourage hope.
• Assist clients in identifying and setting recovery goals, offering emotional support, and helping them navigate challenges in their recovery process.
• Facilitate peer recovery groups or support meetings, encouraging clients to share experiences and support each other.
• Act as a role model for individuals in recovery, promoting healthy coping strategies, decision-making, and positive lifestyle changes.
• Help clients access necessary resources, such as housing, employment, healthcare, and social services, by linking them to appropriate community agencies and resources.
• Assist with the development of individualized recovery plans, ensuring clients understand the steps they need to take to maintain sobriety and well-being.
• Collaborate with clinical teams to ensure clients receive comprehensive care, including therapy, counseling, and medical treatment.
• Provide education about the recovery process, coping skills, relapse prevention, and maintaining sobriety.
• Encourage clients to actively participate in support groups, 12-step programs, and other recovery-focused activities.
• Support clients in identifying and managing triggers, high-risk situations, and cravings.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records of interactions with clients, documenting progress and any changes in treatment or recovery status.
• Participate in case meetings with clinical staff to ensure continuity of care and to update progress on recovery goals.
• Track and report on client outcomes, contributing to program evaluation and improvement.
• Work closely with the clinical team, including counselors, therapists, and case managers, to ensure clients receive comprehensive, holistic care.
• Participate in regular supervision meetings and team training to enhance skills and maintain compliance with program standards.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Lived experience

Active listening

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma

Associate’s degree preferred

Job description

Summary

The Peer Support Specialist for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) provides crucial support to individuals in recovery from substance use issues. Utilizing personal experience with addiction and recovery, the Peer Support Specialist offers guidance, encouragement, and empathy to clients, helping them achieve and maintain sobriety. The position involves providing peer support in individual and group settings, assisting with the development of recovery plans, and linking clients to additional resources as needed.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide one‑on‑one peer support to individuals with substance use disorders, utilizing lived experience to establish trust and encourage hope.
• Assist clients in identifying and setting recovery goals, offering emotional support, and helping them navigate challenges in their recovery process.
• Facilitate peer recovery groups or support meetings, encouraging clients to share experiences and support each other.
• Act as a role model for individuals in recovery, promoting healthy coping strategies, decision‑making, and positive lifestyle changes.
• Help clients access necessary resources, such as housing, employment, healthcare, and social services, by linking them to appropriate community agencies and resources.
• Assist with the development of individualized recovery plans, ensuring clients understand the steps they need to take to maintain sobriety and well‑being.
• Collaborate with clinical teams to ensure clients receive comprehensive care, including therapy, counseling, and medical treatment.
• Provide education about the recovery process, coping skills, relapse prevention, and maintaining sobriety.
• Encourage clients to actively participate in support groups, 12‑step programs, and other recovery‑focused activities.
• Support clients in identifying and managing triggers, high‑risk situations, and cravings.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records of interactions with clients, documenting progress and any changes in treatment or recovery status.
• Participate in case meetings with clinical staff to ensure continuity of care and to update progress on recovery goals.
• Track and report on client outcomes, contributing to program evaluation and improvement.
• Work closely with the clinical team, including counselors, therapists, and case managers, to ensure clients receive comprehensive, holistic care.
• Participate in regular supervision meetings and team training to enhance skills and maintain compliance with program standards.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervision

Reports to the Operations Manager/Assigned Supervisor. Does not supervise others.

Qualifications

• Lived experience in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) or addiction is required.
• Peer Support Specialist certification (e.g., Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, CPRS, or similar) preferred or must be obtained within [X months] of hire.
• Knowledge of the 12‑step program and other recovery methodologies.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and active listening skills.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries while offering empathy and support.
• Ability to work with diverse populations, including individuals with complex needs.
• Basic knowledge of community resources for individuals in recovery (housing, employment, legal, healthcare, etc.).

Education

High school diploma required; associate’s degree in a healthcare related field preferred.

Certification

None required.

Experience and Skills

• Experience working in a behavioral health or substance use disorder treatment setting.
• Familiarity with trauma‑informed care principles and practices.
• Experience facilitating group support or recovery meetings.
• Bilingual in [language] (if applicable).

Physical Effort

Requires sitting for long periods of time, viewing computer monitors, keyboarding, and must be able to lift 20 pounds.

Background

Must pass all Federal and State background checks. Other background checks will be conducted for licensures and certifications according to company policy.

Schedule

Flexible schedule based on availability.

Benefits

This position does not offer benefits.