Peer Support Specialist

NOVA BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, INC.; Dayton (OH); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

NOVA BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, INC. seeks a Peer Support Specialist to offer empathetic, lived-experience-based support, focusing on women and recovery. You will work with clinical teams to complement therapy and support ongoing treatment.

Role emphasizes group facilitation, individual guidance, and coordination with community resources to improve coping, resilience, and engagement in services.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated lived experience with mental health or substance use recovery.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical guidelines.
• Must have a valid Ohio driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Provide peer-based emotional support and encouragement to individuals experiencing mental health or substance use disorders.
• Work in collaboration with the agency treatment team to ensure continuity of care.
• Participate in unit staff meetings and other treatment activities.
• Attend client related meetings, arrange case conferences, court staffing/status meetings, trainings, and other meetings.
• Collaborate with community agencies and resources to educate and assist clients in securing benefits.
• Observe and enforce compliance of agency policies and report unusual occurrences.
• Facilitate group sessions that promote skill-building, mutual support, and community connection.
• Collaborate with healthcare providers, counselors, and case managers to ensure coordinated care.
• Maintain accurate documentation of client interactions and progress.

Skills

Lived experience

Strong communication

Confidentiality

Interpersonal skills

Job description

The Peer Support Specialist plays a vital role in providing empathetic, lived-experience-based support to individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges. This position will work primarily with our female population and focuses on fostering hope, empowerment, and recovery by building trusting relationships and offering guidance grounded in personal experience and professional training. The specialist collaborates closely with clinical teams to complement therapeutic interventions and enhance overall care plans. Through group facilitation and one-on-one interactions, the role aims to improve clients' coping skills, resilience, and engagement with treatment resources. Ultimately, the Peer Support Specialist contributes to creating a supportive environment that promotes sustained recovery and improved quality of life for those served.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Demonstrated lived experience with mental health or substance use recovery.
• Must have a valid Ohio drivers license
• Basic knowledge of mental health and behavioral health concepts.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical guidelines.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with motivational interviewing techniques.
• Background in human services or related fields.
• Familiarity with psychotherapy principles and mental health counseling.
• Experience facilitating group sessions or support groups.
• Previous work in healthcare or social assistance settings.

Responsibilities:

• Provide peer-based emotional support and encouragement to individuals experiencing mental health or substance use disorders.
• Works in collaboration with the agency treatment team to ensure continuity of care by assisting clients in effectively functioning within or preparing for re-integration into the community and facilitating community tenure.
• Participates in unit staff meetings and other treatment activities as assigned.
• Attends client related meetings, arrange case conferences, court staffing/status meetings, trainings, and other meetings.
• Works with community agencies and resources to educate and assist clients in securing and maintaining benefits.
• Observe and enforce compliance of agency policies and procedures and program rules and report unusual occurrences or events.
• Facilitate group sessions that promote skill-building, mutual support, and community connection among participants.
• Collaborate with healthcare providers, counselors, and case managers to ensure coordinated and comprehensive care.
• Maintain accurate documentation of client interactions and progress in accordance with organizational policies and confidentiality standards.