Peer Support Specialist

Citizensbehavioralhealth; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Recovery-focused workplace culture

Job summary

Citizens Behavioral Health in Raleigh, NC seeks a Peer Support Specialist to use lived recovery experience to inspire and support clients on their recovery journey. The role works with therapists and treatment staff to promote wellness, resilience, and community connections.

Responsibilities include facilitating peer-led groups, developing personal recovery plans, and linking clients to housing, employment, and education resources.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Lived recovery experience required or preferred.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Reliable attendance and ability to work within a team.

Responsibilities

• Provide non-clinical, recovery-focused peer support.
• Build relationships that promote engagement in treatment.
• Help clients identify goals and recovery strategies.
• Facilitate peer-led activities and recovery coaching.
• Maintain documentation of peer support services and coordinate with staff.

Skills

Communication

Listening

Interpersonal skills

Professional boundaries

Confidentiality

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or GED

CPSS credential (preferred)

Job description

Citizens Behavioral Health provides compassionate behavioral health and recovery services through our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). We believe recovery is possible for everyone, and we value the unique role that lived experience plays in helping individuals find hope, healing, and long-term wellness.

We are seeking a Peer Support Specialist to join our team and use personal recovery experience to inspire, encourage, and support individuals working toward their own recovery goals. This position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while helping clients build confidence, resilience, and community connections.

Position Summary

The Peer Support Specialist provides non-clinical, recovery-focused support to individuals receiving behavioral health services. Working alongside therapists, counselors, and treatment staff, this role helps clients navigate challenges, develop wellness strategies, and strengthen their recovery journey through shared lived experience and peer mentorship.

Key Responsibilities

Peer Support & Recovery Coaching

• Provide encouragement, support, and hope through the use of lived recovery experience.
• Build positive relationships that promote engagement and personal growth.
• Support clients in identifying strengths, goals, and recovery strategies.
• Model healthy coping skills, self-advocacy, and wellness practices.
• Encourage active participation in treatment and recovery activities.

Recovery Planning & Community Connections

• Assist clients in developing personal recovery and wellness goals.
• Provide information about community resources and recovery supports.
• Help clients access services related to housing, employment, education, and community involvement.
• Promote participation in peer support groups and recovery-focused activities.
• Support clients in building healthy support networks.

Group Facilitation & Program Support

• Facilitate peer-led recovery and wellness groups.
• Support client engagement during treatment activities and program events.
• Assist with orientation and welcoming new clients into the program.
• Help create a positive, inclusive, and recovery-focused environment.
• Assist with group preparation and program activities as needed.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of peer support services.
• Communicate client concerns, progress, and observations to appropriate treatment staff.
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
• Maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality, and ethical standards.
• Work collaboratively with therapists, counselors, and support staff.

Required Qualifications

• Personal lived experience with mental health recovery and/or substance use recovery.
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Ability to use lived experience appropriately to support others in recovery.
• Strong communication, listening, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Commitment to personal wellness, recovery, and continued growth.
• Reliable attendance and ability to work effectively within a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) credential or willingness to obtain certification.
• Experience providing peer support, recovery coaching, mentoring, advocacy, or community outreach.
• Experience facilitating peer-led groups.
• Knowledge of community resources and recovery support systems.
• Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
• Health Benefits for Eligible Employees
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• Continuing Education and Professional Development Opportunities
• Recovery-Focused Workplace Culture

Work Schedule

• Full-Time and Part-Time Opportunities Available
• Monday - Friday Program Hours
• Daytime and Afternoon Program Schedules

Peer Support Specialists play a powerful role in helping individuals believe recovery is possible. Your lived experience can provide hope, encouragement, and real-world insight that supports lasting change. Join a team that values recovery, resilience, and the transformative impact of peer support.

Citizens Behavioral Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applicants from diverse recovery pathways and encourage individuals with lived experience to apply.