Peer Support Specialist

Burrell Behavioral Health; Poplar Bluff (MO); On-site; USD 36,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health benefits

Training and career development

Career mobility

Welcoming culture

Job summary

Burrell Behavioral Health in Poplar Bluff, MO is seeking a Peer Support Specialist to help individuals navigate mental health and substance use recovery. Use lived experience to inspire hope, build recovery plans, and connect clients with community resources in a collaborative team setting.

The role emphasizes empathy, resilience, and strong communication while supporting recovery goals and personal growth within CARF-aligned practices.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Self-identify as a current or former recipient of mental health or substance use services, or as someone in recovery.
• Knowledge of case management, rehabilitation principles, and recovery-oriented approaches.
• Ability to share lived experience while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Complete a state-approved Peer Specialist training program and pass certification exam.
• Missouri certification requirements completed per state guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals in developing and achieving personalized recovery goals.
• Facilitate peer support services, educational groups, and recovery-focused activities.
• Share lived recovery experience to inspire hope and model recovery behaviors.
• Assist individuals in identifying strengths and connecting with community resources.
• Encourage active participation in treatment and informed, independent choices.
• Collaborate with treatment teams and community providers to ensure continuity of care.
• Assist with scheduling appointments, coordinating services, and transportation as needed.
• Provide crisis intervention and support during challenging situations.
• Participate in staffing meetings and treatment planning activities.

Skills

Empathy

Teamwork

Communication

Recovery-focused approach

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Peer Specialist training program

Missouri Peer Specialist certification

Job description

Job Title: Peer Support Specialist Location: Poplar Bluff, MO Department: Recovery Services Employment Type: Full-Time

Job Summary: Are you passionate about helping others discover hope, healing, and lasting recovery? Join our compassionate and collaborative team as a Peer Support Specialist and make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals navigating mental health and substance use recovery. This rewarding role offers the opportunity to use your lived experience to inspire others, build meaningful connections, support personal growth, and help individuals achieve their recovery goals. We are seeking a caring, dependable, and motivated professional who values empathy, resilience, communication, and teamwork. The Peer Support Specialist provides recovery-focused support services that promote wellness, independence, and community integration. Working closely with individuals, families, treatment teams, and community resources, this role assists participants in developing recovery plans, building coping skills, accessing support systems, and achieving meaningful personal goals. Through encouragement, advocacy, education, and mentorship, the Peer Support Specialist helps individuals move forward in their recovery journey while fostering hope and resilience. This position offers

Position Offer

• Employee Assistance Program – 24/7 counseling services, legal assistance, & financial consultation for you and your household at no cost
• Mileage Reimbursement – Company paid for work functions requiring travel
• Employee Discounts – Hotels, Theme Parks & Attractions, College Tuition
• Workplace Culture - An environment cultivating employee wellbeing, valuing each individual's humanity, and actively promoting a healthy, joyful workforce
• Additional Perks & Benefits - Scroll down to bottom of this post to learn more

Key Responsibilities

• Support individuals in developing and achieving personalized recovery and treatment goals
• Facilitate peer support services, educational groups, and recovery-focused activities that encourage resilience and personal growth
• Share lived recovery experience, recovery tools, and coping strategies to inspire hope and model successful recovery behaviors
• Assist individuals in identifying strengths, building support networks, and connecting with community resources
• Encourage individuals to take an active role in their treatment and make informed, independent choices regarding their recovery
• Collaborate with treatment teams, referral sources, guardians, and community providers to ensure continuity of care
• Assist with scheduling appointments, coordinating services, and arranging transportation as needed
• Provide crisis intervention and support during challenging situations
• Participate in staffing meetings and treatment planning activities
• Assist with referrals for medical, behavioral health, or community-based services when appropriate
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation in accordance with state regulations and CARF standards
• Represent the organization professionally within the community and with partnering agencies
• Complete required continuing education and professional development activities
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Director

Education, Experience, and/or Credential Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Self-identify as a current or former recipient of mental health or substance use services, or as an individual in recovery from a mental health and/or substance use disorder
• Knowledge of case management, rehabilitation principles, and recovery-oriented approaches within behavioral health settings
• Understanding of challenges experienced by individuals with mental health and substance use disorders and available community resources
• Ability to share lived experience effectively while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to prepare clear and concise documentation
• Ability to connect individuals with recovery resources, support groups, and community-based services
• Complete a state-approved Peer Specialist training program and pass any required certification examination
• Missouri applicants must complete the Peer Specialist application process and certification requirements established by the State of Missouri
• Must attain Missouri Peer Specialist certification requirements, including any required training and examination timelines

Additional Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Must successfully pass background screenings, including criminal history, driving record, and abuse/neglect checks
• Valid driver's license, acceptable driving record, and ability to meet agency driving requirements preferred
• Current automobile insurance required if operating a personal vehicle for work purposes
• Must attain First Aid certification within three (3) months of employment and maintain certification thereafter
• Must attain CPR certification within three (3) months of employment and maintain certification thereafter
• Must attain required behavioral management and crisis intervention training within established timeframes
• Must attain thirty-six (36) hours of ongoing training every two years in accordance with applicable regulations
• Demonstrated empathy, professionalism, teamwork, and commitment to supporting recovery and resilience

Physical Requirements

• Perform light work involving exertion of up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds frequently, and negligible force continuously to move objects
• Walk or stand for extended periods throughout the workday as needed
• Sit for prolonged periods while performing documentation and administrative tasks
• Push and pull materials or equipment as required during daily work activities
• Maintain the physical ability to travel within the community and provide services in various settings

Keywords: Peer Support Specialist, Certified Peer Specialist, Recovery Services, Mental Health, Substance Use Recovery, Behavioral Health, Case Management, Community Support, Crisis Intervention, Recovery Coaching Position

Position Perks & Benefits

• Paid time off: full-time employees receive an attractive time off package to balance your work and personal life
• Employee benefits package: full-time employees receive health, dental, vision, retirement, life, & more
• Top-notch training: initial, ongoing, comprehensive, and supportive
• Career mobility: advancement opportunities/promoting from within
• Welcoming, warm, supportive: a work culture & environment that promotes your well-being, values you as human being, and encourages your health and happiness.

About Brightli

Brightli 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.

If you are passionate about empowering local communities and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported,

We are doing this by forming a new behavioral health organization under new model. Under one parent company, multiple organizations are able to collaborate, share resources and system supports, increase recruiting and retention efforts, increase access to specialized care, and meet the growing demand for behavioral and addiction recovery care. Brightli’s top-line subsidiaries include Burrell Behavioral Health (Burrell), Preferred Family Healthcare (PFH), Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health (SEMO), Firefly, Adult and Child Health, and Places for People. While these organizations operate independently and are governed by separate board of directors, their operations and services benefit from this model. Alone, organizations may be able to navigate the current tumultuous healthcare environment, but we believe that together we can do so much more than survive. Our communities need us now more than ever, and by working together we are ready to answer their call for years to come. We encourage applications from individuals with varied backgrounds and experiences, as we believe that a rich tapestry of perspectives strengthens our mission.

Brightli Snapshot 200 locations 4 states 19 subsidiaries and/or affiliates 5k+ employees