Peer Support Specialist I

nationalchurchresidences; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

National Church Residences is seeking a Peer Support Specialist to provide recovery-oriented peer support within Permanent Supportive Housing programs. You will work under the Community Engagement Manager to promote hope, recovery, and community integration through mutual support and lived experience.

Responsibilities include facilitating groups, supporting individualized recovery plans, and collaborating with care teams to assist residents in achieving housing stability and self-advocacy.

Qualifications

• Lived experience with mental health, substance use, or homelessness.
• Ability to collaborate with Case Managers and the Community Engagement Manager.
• Familiarity with recovery-oriented practices (Housing First, trauma-informed, person-centered).
• Ability to teach self-advocacy, coping skills, and problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one and group peer support services to promote recovery and housing stability.
• Develop and support individualized recovery goals with residents.
• Facilitate peer-led support groups and life skills activities.
• Document encounters and maintain records in accordance with regulations.

Skills

Lived experience

Collaboration

Communication

Group facilitation

Job description

Title: Peer Support Specialist

Division: Affordable Housing - PSH

Reports to: Community Engagement Manager

PURPOSE

According to prescribed policies and procedures of the organization including all applicable state, federal and accreditation regulations and under the general supervision of the Community Engagement Manager, the Peer Support Specialist provides recovery-oriented peer support services to individuals and families enrolled in National Church Residences' Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) programs. Drawing upon lived experience with mental health, substance use, or homelessness, the Peer Support Specialist promotes hope, recovery, housing stability, self-advocacy, and community integration through mutual support, mentoring, and shared lived experience. Guided by Housing First, trauma-informed, person-centered, strengths-based, and recovery-oriented practices, the Peer Support Specialist works collaboratively with the Community Engagement Manager, Case Managers, Housing Stabilization, Clinical Services, Medical Home, Property Management, and community partners to support residents in achieving their personal recovery goals and maintaining permanent housing.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Peer Support & Recovery Services

• Provide one-on-one and group peer support services that promote recovery, housing stability, wellness, self-advocacy, and community integration.
• Collaborate with Case Managers and the Community Engagement Manager to develop and support individualized recovery goals and service plans.
• Assist residents in identifying personal strengths and establishing recovery, wellness, employment, and independent living goals.
• Utilize evidence-based recovery tools, including the Whole Health Action Management (WHAM) and Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP), to assist residents in developing individualized wellness and recovery plans.
• Conduct ongoing follow-up with residents to monitor progress, provide encouragement, reinforce recovery skills, and address barriers to housing stability.
• Teach and model self-advocacy, coping skills, problem-solving, communication, and decision-making skills that promote independence and long‑term recovery.
• Assist residents in developing Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), including budgeting, meal planning, cooking, housekeeping, shopping, personal hygiene, medication organization, and use of community resources.

Resident Engagement & Community Programming

• Facilitate peer‑led support groups, recovery groups, wellness activities, educational workshops, and life skills classes that promote healthy relationships, recovery, resilience, personal wellness, and community integration.
• Encourage resident participation in workshops, employment services, volunteer opportunities, Resident Councils, community events, and recreational activities.
• Collaborate with Community Engagement Specialists to implement resident programming and create opportunities for meaningful resident engagement.
• Assist with community events, resident celebrations, volunteer projects, and special activities that strengthen community connections and reduce social isolation.
• Transport and/or accompany residents to community activities, appointments, educational programs, recovery meetings, employment opportunities, and other off‑site activities as needed.

Collaboration & Care Coordination

• Collaborate with Case Managers, Community Engagement Specialists, Housing Stabilization Specialists, Clinical Services, Medical Home, Property Management, and community providers to support coordinated, person‑centered services.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, case consultations, supervision, and care coordination activities.
• Identify residents who may benefit from additional services and communicate concerns to the appropriate team members.
• Advocate for resident voice, self‑determination, and recovery‑oriented practices throughout service delivery.

Documentation & Compliance

• Document all resident encounters, peer support services, assessments, referrals, group activities, and service contacts electronic health records, service logs, and other required documentation systems.
• Collect and maintain accurate program data in accordance with HUD, Medicaid, CARF, federal, state, local, and private funder requirements.
• Maintain resident files in compliance with agency documentation standards and confidentiality requirements.
• Ensure services are delivered in accordance with Housing First principles, state Peer Recovery Supporter standards, HIPAA, organizational policies, and applicable regulations.
• Complete all required onboarding, mandatory training, continuing education, and Peer Recovery Support certification requirements.
• Ensure service delivery aligns with agency policies, regulatory requirements, and recovery‑oriented best practices.
• Complete assigned duties and productivity expectations based on program needs and assigned location.
• Submit accurate and timely documentation for billable and non‑billable