Peer Specialist (Co-Occurring Disorders)

Preferred-Family-Healthcare,-Inc.; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 33,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance Program

Mileage Reimbursement

Employee Discounts

Workplace Culture

Additional Perks & Benefits

Job summary

Preferred Family Health Care in Saint Louis, MO seeks a Peer Specialist to use lived experience to support recovery journeys. You will mentor, advocate, and help develop recovery goals within a compassionate team.

Responsibilities include connecting clients to resources, facilitating recovery groups, coordinating care, transportation support, and documenting progress while maintaining professional boundaries.

Qualifications

• Must identify as a present or former recipient of mental health and/or substance use services, or in recovery.
• At least one year of direct personal experience with the mental health system as a consumer.
• Missouri Peer Specialist eligibility requires certification within set timelines.
• Minimum two years of responsible employment history.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to build trust.
• General computer proficiency for documentation and communication.
• Must be at least 21 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license.
• Background screenings including criminal, driving, abuse/neglect and fingerprints required.

Responsibilities

• Utilize personal recovery experience to inspire hope while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Coach, mentor, and advocate for individuals toward increased independence.
• Connect clients with community resources and recovery supports.
• Facilitate recovery-focused groups and wellness activities.
• Provide transportation support and accompany clients to appointments when needed.
• Participate in treatment team meetings for coordinated, person-centered care.
• Maintain timely, accurate documentation per regulatory standards.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Relationship building

Advocacy

Coaching

Computer proficiency

Transportation planning

Crisis support

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Missouri Peer Specialist certification

Job description

Job Description:Job Title: Peer SpecialistLocation: Saint Louis, MODepartment: CB Adult Community ServicesEmployment Type: Full-TimeJob Summary:Are you passionate about helping others find hope, healing, and lasting recovery? Join our compassionate and collaborative team as a Peer Specialist and use your lived experience to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals navigating mental health and substance use challenges. This rewarding opportunity allows you to support others on their recovery journey, build genuine connections, promote independence, strengthen community engagement, and serve as a powerful example of resilience and recovery. We are seeking a caring, dependable, encouraging professional who is committed to empowering others and fostering positive change.As a Peer Specialist, you will partner with individuals and families to help develop recovery goals, access community resources, build essential life skills, and strengthen support networks. Through mentoring, coaching, advocacy, and peer support services, you will help clients engage in treatment, increase self-sufficiency, and maintain progress toward their recovery goals. This role combines direct client support, community outreach, care coordination, transportation assistance, group facilitation, and recovery-focused interventions to promote long-term wellness and success.This position offers…Employee Assistance Program – 24/7 counseling services, legal assistance, & financial consultation for you and your household at no costMileage Reimbursement – Company paid for work functions requiring travelEmployee Discounts – Hotels, Theme Parks & Attractions, College TuitionWorkplace Culture - An environment cultivating employee wellbeing, valuing each individual's humanity, and actively promoting a healthy, joyful workforceAdditional Perks & Benefits - Scroll down to bottom of this post to learn moreKey Responsibilities:Utilize personal recovery experience to inspire hope, resilience, and engagement in the recovery process while maintaining professional boundariesSupport individuals in developing recovery goals, identifying strengths, and creating personalized treatment and recovery plansCoach, mentor, and advocate for individuals as they work toward increased independence and improved quality of lifeConnect clients with community resources, recovery supports, mutual aid groups, and other services that promote successful recoveryBuild supportive relationships with individuals, families, guardians, and referral sources to encourage progress and continuity of careAssist clients in accessing medical, behavioral health, and community-based services while providing transportation and appointment support as neededAccompany clients to appointments when appropriate and represent the organization in a professional mannerFacilitate recovery-focused groups, educational sessions, and wellness activities that promote skill building and personal growthProvide crisis intervention and support during challenging situations while promoting recovery-oriented solutionsParticipate in treatment team meetings and collaborate with providers to ensure coordinated, person-centered careResearch and refer individuals to external resources that support recovery, stability, and community integrationMaintain timely, accurate documentation in accordance with regulatory, state, and CARF standardsParticipate in ongoing training and professional development activities to enhance peer support skills and maintain required credentialsSupport organizational goals and uphold ethical, confidentiality, and professional standardsEducation, Experience, and/or Credential Qualifications:Must be willing to self-identify as a present or former recipient of mental health and/or substance use services, or as a person in recovery from a mental health and/or substance use disorderRequires at least one year of direct personal experience with the mental health system as a primary consumer of servicesHigh school diploma or equivalent required for Missouri Peer Specialist eligibilityMinimum of two (2) years of responsible employment history requiredExperience providing peer support, mentoring, advocacy, recovery coaching, or community-based support services is preferredKnowledge of recovery principles, mental health services, substance use treatment, case management practices, and community resources preferredStrong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to build trust and rapport with diverse individuals and familiesGeneral computer proficiency requiredExceptions to qualification requirements may be granted by appropriate leadership when applicableAdditional Qualifications:Must be at least 21 years of age or olderMust possess a valid driver's license, acceptable driving record, current auto insurance, and reliable transportationMust be able to transport clients as part of assigned job responsibilitiesMinimum of one (1) year in recovery requiredAbility to serve as a positive role model by demonstrating recovery-focused behaviors and coping skillsAbility to connect individuals to recovery resources and support systems within the communityMust attain Missouri Peer Specialist certification requirements as applicable, including successful completion of required training and certification examination within required timelinesMust successfully complete required background screenings, including criminal, driving, abuse/neglect, and fingerprint checksMust attain training related to behavioral health conditions, family engagement, client rights and responsibilities, treatment planning, assessment principles, suicide awareness, crisis intervention, quality assurance, infection control, and CPRC philosophy within designated timeframesPhysical RequirementsPerform light work requiring exertion of up to 20 pounds occasionally, up to 10 pounds frequently, and negligible force constantly to move objectsWalk and stand for extended periods throughout the workday as required by community-based service deliverySit for periods of time while completing documentation, transportation duties, meetings, and client support activitiesPush and pull materials, equipment, or objects as required during daily job functionsTravel frequently within the community to provide services, transport clients, and attend appointments and meetingsMaintain the physical ability to safely assist clients and perform duties in a variety of community settingsPosition Perks & Benefits:Paid time off: full-time employees receive an attractive time off package to balance your work and personal lifeEmployee benefits package: full-time employees receive health, dental, vision, retirement, life, & moreTop-notch training: initial, ongoing, comprehensive, and supportiveCareer mobility: advancement opportunities/promoting from withinWelcoming, warm, supportive: a work culture & environment that promotes your well-being, values you as human being, and encourages your health and happinessBrightli is on a Mission:A mission to improve client care, reduce the financial burden of community mental health centers by sharing resources, a mission to have a larger voice in advocacy to increase access to mental health and substance user care in our communities, and a mission to evolve the behavioral health industry to better meet the needs of our clients.As a behavioral and community mental health provider, we prioritize fostering a culture of belonging and connection within our workforce. We encourage applications from individuals with varied backgrounds and experiences, as we believe that a rich tapestry of perspectives strengthens our mission. If you are passionate about empowering local communities and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, we invite you to join our mission-driven organization dedicated to cultivating an authentic workplace.We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.Preferred Family Health Care is a Smoke and Tobacco Free Workplace.