Peer Support Specialist – Provisional

Jobtailor; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor in Durham, NC is seeking a Peer Support Specialist to provide guidance and support to individuals facing substance use, trauma and mental health challenges, and to advocate for their rights.

The role works with Community Paramedics, Case Managers, SUD Counselors or Mental Health staff to connect clients with community resources, respond to overdoses, provide counseling, harm-reduction education, and coordination of care.

Qualifications

• High School Graduation or GED equivalent.
• Two years of experience in social work, health services, peer counseling, case management or related experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Lived experience with Mental Health or Substance Use Disorder struggles and/or treatment.
• Must possess and maintain valid North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist (NCCPSS) certification.
• Must possess and maintain a valid North Carolina driver’s license with a three-year acceptable driving history.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance and support to individuals facing substance use and mental health challenges.
• Assist in connecting clients to community resources and ensuring continuity of care.
• Respond to overdose calls and conduct client outreach in the community.
• Conduct one-on-one counseling and harm reduction education.
• Arrange medical appointments, transportation, and schedule pro-social activities.
• Maintain documentation and complete referral paperwork.
• Collaborate with Community Paramedics, Case Managers, and counselors.
• Ensure NCCPSS certification compliance.

Skills

Client Outreach

One-on-one Counseling

Overdose Prevention Education

Documentation Maintenance

Community Resource Linkage

Advocacy

Empowerment

Communication

Team Collaboration

Interpersonal Skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

• The Peer Support Specialist will provide guidance and support to individuals struggling with substance abuse, psychological trauma and /or mental health issues.
• This position assists in implementing/creating a recovery environment and acts as an advocate for the needs and rights of the client.
• This position will assist Community Paramedics, Case Managers, Substance Use Disorder Counselors or Mental Health staff with getting the client connected to community resources to ensure continuity of care for their identified needs.
• Respond to overdose calls in Durham County.
• Conduct client outreach and follow-up with the clients in the community.
• Conduct follow-up visits to individuals who have experienced an overdose.
• Meet with clients regularly to provide one‑on‑one counseling and support.
• Provide individualized harm reduction education and efforts to clients on overdose prevention, use of naloxone, Hepatitis C Virus, STI and HIV risk reduction and safer drug use.
• Arrange medical appointments, monitor client behavior, schedule pro‑social activities, and provide client transportation.
• Train individuals on local overdose reversal protocol, offer harm reduction resources, and care options.
• Assist clients with identifying personal strengths to help them reach and maintain recovery goals.
• Model recovery values, attitude, beliefs, and personal action to encourage wellness.
• Teach and promote self‑advocacy and empower clients to use their legal rights.
• Provide linkage to community resources. Interact with all public agencies.
• Participate in team meetings and in-person training sessions on best practices in harm reduction and complete ongoing training to maintain certification compliance.
• Maintain and submit required documentation (treatment plans, service notes, etc.).
• Work with community agencies to link clients to wraparound services as needed and complete and submit necessary referral paperwork.
• Collect and maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of local resources: healthcare, treatment, and social services providers in Durham County.
• Assist in community educational and outreach activities such as overdose recognition and treatment, community naloxone distribution, etc.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Graduation or GED equivalent.
• Two (2) years of experience in social work, health services, peer counseling, case management or related experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Lived experience with either Mental Health or Substance Use Disorder struggles and/or treatment.
• Must possess and maintain valid North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist (NCCPSS) certification.
• Must possess and maintain a valid North Carolina driver’s license with a three-year acceptable driving history.

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in providing peer support and guidance to individuals facing substance abuse and mental health challenges, while effectively linking clients to community resources and advocating for their rights. Proficient in harm reduction education and maintaining compliance with certification requirements.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist (NCCPSS)
• Substance Use Disorder Counseling
• Mental Health Support
• Case Management
• Harm Reduction Education

ATS Optimization Keywords

Hard Skills

• Client Outreach
• One‑on‑one Counseling
• Overdose Prevention Education
• Documentation Maintenance
• Community Resource Linkage

Soft Skills

• Advocacy
• Empowerment
• Communication
• Team Collaboration
• Interpersonal Skills

Certifications & Qualifications

• North Carolina Driver’s License

Industry Keywords

• Substance Abuse
• Mental Health
• Recovery Environment
• Harm Reduction
• Community Services