Peer Support Specialist

Pathways Inc. - Kentucky; Louisa (KY); On-site; USD 32,500 - 36,652; Full time

Job summary

Pathways Inc. - Kentucky is seeking a Peer Support Specialist dedicated to supporting adults facing mental health and substance use challenges. This role involves providing encouragement, advocacy, and leveraging lived experiences to empower individuals in their recovery journey.

Qualifications include a high school diploma and certification as a Peer Support Specialist. The position is full-time, with the ideal candidate possessing strong communication and interpersonal skills while promoting self-advocacy and resilience.

Qualifications

• Lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery.
• Two or more years of recovery preferred.
• Understanding of recovery-oriented systems of care.

Responsibilities

• Provide peer support, encouragement, and mentoring.
• Assist consumers in identifying strengths and goals.
• Collaborate with treatment team members.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Advocacy skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Certification as Peer Support Specialist

Job description

Pathways complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, pregnancy status, victim status, marital status, member of the armed services or covered veteran status, or any other status that is protected by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws. This policy includes, but is not limited to: recruitment, employment, promotion, demotion, transfer, termination, compensation, benefits, layoffs, training, and social and recreational programs.

Salary: $32,500 – $36,652.50 annually

About The Role

Pathways is seeking a compassionate and recovery-focused Peer Support Specialist (PSS) to provide support, advocacy, and encouragement to adults experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges. This position utilizes lived experience to empower individuals on their recovery journey, helping them build hope, develop self-advocacy skills, and connect with resources that support long‑term wellness and recovery.

The Peer Support Specialist works collaboratively with consumers and treatment team members to promote recovery, resilience, and community integration.

Educational Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Certification as a Peer Support Specialist through a state‑approved training program required

Preferred Certifications

• Registered Alcohol and Drug Peer Support Specialist (RADPSS)
• Peer Support Specialist Certification

Qualifications

• Lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery
• Two or more years of recovery preferred
• Incarceration experience preferred
• Understanding of recovery‑oriented systems of care
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and advocacy skills
• Ability to establish positive and supportive relationships with consumers
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Provide peer support, encouragement, and mentoring to individuals receiving services
• Share personal recovery experiences in a professional and appropriate manner to inspire hope and promote recovery
• Assist consumers in identifying strengths, setting goals, and developing recovery plans
• Support consumers in navigating community resources and accessing needed services
• Promote self‑advocacy, empowerment, and personal responsibility in recovery
• Assist consumers in developing coping skills, wellness strategies, and recovery supports
• Collaborate with treatment team members to support consumer‑centered care
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation as required
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, and required trainings
• Adhere to agency policies, procedures, and confidentiality requirements

Experience Required

• History of lived experience with mental health‑related difficulties and/or substance use recovery
• Completion of Peer Support Specialist training
• Understanding of the recovery process and ability to utilize personal experiences to support others in achieving recovery goals

This is a full time position