Peer Support Specialist (Durham) Durham, NC

Kaizen Lab Inc.; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Pathways to Life, Inc. is seeking a Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) to provide community-based recovery services for adults living with mental health and/or substance use disorders in Durham and surrounding areas.

You will use your lived experience to build supportive relationships, offer one-on-one mentoring, and facilitate recovery groups, working under a Qualified Professional and coordinating with therapists and care teams.

Qualifications

• Current North Carolina CPSS certification is required.
• Lived experience in recovery from a mental health and/or substance use disorder.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid North Carolina driver’s license.
• Reliable transportation with current automobile insurance.
• Ability to travel throughout the assigned service area.
• Basic computer and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Build supportive, recovery-focused relationships using your lived experience.
• Provide one-on-one peer mentoring and recovery coaching.
• Facilitate recovery groups that focus on wellness, coping skills, relapse prevention, budgeting, employment readiness, daily living skills, and community integration.
• Help members identify and achieve their personal recovery goals.
• Connect members with housing, employment, education, healthcare, transportation, benefits, and other community resources.
• Help members strengthen natural supports and build meaningful community relationships.
• Promote self‑advocacy, wellness, resilience, and independent living.
• Participate in Person‑Centered Planning and support recovery goals identified in the Person‑Centered Plan.
• Complete accurate documentation in the electronic health record.
• Communicate member progress and concerns with the Qualified Professional and treatment team.
• Recognize behavioral health crises and follow agency emergency procedures.

Skills

Lived experience

Community engagement

Documentation

Interpersonal skills

Reliable transportation

Education

CPSS certification

High school diploma or GED

Valid North Carolina driver's license

Job description

Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) – Peer Support Services

Durham, NC & Surrounding Areas

Pathways to Life, Inc. is expanding its Peer Support Services program and is hiring Certified Peer Support Specialists (CPSS) to provide community-based recovery services for adults living with mental health and/or substance use disorders.

If your recovery journey has equipped you to encourage others, this role allows you to use your lived experience to help individuals build independence, strengthen community connections, and move toward their personal recovery goals.

About the Role

Peer Support Specialists provide one-on-one and group recovery services in homes, community settings, and other approved service locations. Services focus on helping members develop the skills, confidence, and support systems needed to live successfully in their communities.

This position works under the supervision of a Qualified Professional (QP) and collaborates with therapists, medical providers, care managers, and community partners to support each member’s Person-Centered Plan.

Service Area: Durham and surrounding areas

What You’ll Do

• Build supportive, recovery-focused relationships using your lived experience.
• Provide one-on‑one peer mentoring and recovery coaching.
• Facilitate recovery groups that focus on wellness, coping skills, relapse prevention, budgeting, employment readiness, daily living skills, and community integration.
• Help members identify and achieve their personal recovery goals.
• Connect members with housing, employment, education, healthcare, transportation, benefits, and other community resources.
• Help members strengthen natural supports and build meaningful community relationships.
• Promote self‑advocacy, wellness, resilience, and independent living.
• Participate in Person‑Centered Planning and support recovery goals identified in the Person‑Centered Plan.
• Complete accurate documentation in the electronic health record.
• Communicate member progress and concerns with the Qualified Professional and treatment team.
• Recognize behavioral health crises and follow agency emergency procedures.

Qualifications

Required

• Current North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) certification.
• Lived experience in recovery from a mental health and/or substance use disorder.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid North Carolina driver’s license.
• Reliable transportation with current automobile insurance.
• Ability to travel throughout the assigned service area.
• Basic computer and documentation skills.

Preferred

• Experience providing community‑based behavioral health services.
• Familiarity with NC Medicaid behavioral health services.
• Experience using an electronic health record (EHR).

Work Environment

This is a community‑based position. Services are provided in:

• Members’ homes
• Community locations
• Healthcare and behavioral health offices
• Other approved service settings

Limited office time is required for documentation, meetings, supervision and training. Evening or weekend hours may occasionally be needed based on member schedules.

Physical Requirements

• Daily travel throughout the assigned service area.
• Walking, standing, and navigating community environments.
• Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds.

Why Join Pathways to Life?

Peer Support Specialists play a vital role in helping individuals move beyond symptom management toward meaningful recovery. By sharing lived experience, connecting members to resources, and building hope, you help individuals strengthen their independence and participate more fully in their communities.

Pathways to Life, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, and organizational needs.