Peer Support Specialist: Recovery & Advocacy Guide

Oakland Community Health Network; Pontiac (MI); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Oakland Community Health Network seeks a dedicated Peer Support Specialist to empower individuals facing mental health challenges. You will use lived experience to guide recovery, promote self-advocacy, and support clients across treatment and community settings.

The role requires 3 twelve-hour shifts per week, including alternating weekend work, and a readiness to travel to diverse community sites. Strong communication, empathy, and crisis-intervention skills are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; associate degree or higher preferred.
• Two years' healthcare experience in patient safety, patient relations, or risk management is acceptable in lieu of a degree.
• BLS certification and crisis intervention training are required or completed through onboarding.

Responsibilities

• Provide peer-based support to promote recovery, independence, and self-advocacy.
• Encourage client engagement in treatment and personal growth.
• Help clients build natural support systems and manage daily living skills.
• Facilitate social activities and connect clients to resources and peer networks.
• Participate in team meetings and provide consumer-perspective consultation.
• Maintain awareness of client rights and relevant regulations.
• Travel to community settings to provide direct support.

Skills

De-escalation

Empathy

Emotional intelligence

Time management

Critical thinking

Decision-making

Crisis intervention

Communication

Cultural sensitivity

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree or higher preferred

Tools

Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems

Microsoft 365

Job description

Oakland Community Health Network seeks a dedicated Peer Support Specialist to empower individuals facing mental health challenges. You will use lived experience to guide recovery, promote self-advocacy, and support clients across treatment and community settings.

The role requires 3 twelve-hour shifts per week, including alternating weekend work, and a readiness to travel to diverse community sites. Strong communication, empathy, and crisis-intervention skills are essential.