Youth Recovery Peer Support Specialist — Flexible Hours

Volunteers of America of Alaska; Anchorage (AK); On-site; USD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Volunteers of America of Alaska seeks a Peer Support Specialist to mentor youth and transition-age individuals through recovery from substance use. You will provide emotional support, education, and practical connection to resources, leveraging your lived experience and recovery journey.

Join a mission-driven team serving Alaska youth and families, with opportunities to participate in TIP/SBIRT trainings, and to work flexible hours supporting community-based recovery efforts.

Qualifications

• Lived experience in addiction and recovery, with a minimum of two years sobriety and active recovery practices.
• If VOA Alumni, discharged from active client status for 1 year.
• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Qualifications to be a Qualified Addiction Professional or Peer Support Specialist as defined by the State of Alaska; can be achieved within 3 years of hire.
• Qualified Addiction Professional: CDC II and/or NCAC I credentials.
• PSS: identify as someone who has lived experience of recovery from mental illness or addiction.
• A current and valid driver's license.
• Can qualify for VOA’s automobile insurance or proof of vehicle insurance coverage.
• Reliable transportation.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours (days, evenings, weekends, holidays).
• Ability to participate in recreational activities with clients.

Responsibilities

• Connect VOA clients to social supports and culture activities using evidence-based practices.
• Be part of the Rapid Response Team providing immediate services to youth 13–24 in crisis.
• Support connections to employment, housing, education, and community activities; coach peers to access resources.
• Align daily schedule with Rapid Response hours.
• Monitor and answer the Rapid Response phone shared with other Peer Supports.
• Call waitlisted individuals to offer interim services.
• Participate in TIP trainings and become competent in the model.
• Participate in SBIRT trainings and utilize with community and hospitals.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with clients and boundaries.
• Motivate peers through goal setting, education, and skills building.
• Maintain at least 20 hours per week of direct client services (15 billable, 5 non-billable).
• Facilitate behavioral health and case management to support recovery and community integration.
• Complete timely documentation for each service; comply with state/federal guidelines.
• Model and teach vital life skills for client success.
• Drive the agency vehicle for client support and be reimbursed accordingly.
• Build rapport with clients and staff while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Be trauma-informed and consider cultural aspects (race, ethnicity, language, etc.).
• Maintain client confidentiality per HIPAA and 42 C.F.R. Part 2.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Lived recovery experience

Excellent writing

Excellent communication

Driver's license

Flexible hours

Reliable transportation

Self-identify lived experience

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Volunteers of America of Alaska seeks a Peer Support Specialist to mentor youth and transition-age individuals through recovery from substance use. You will provide emotional support, education, and practical connection to resources, leveraging your lived experience and recovery journey.

Join a mission-driven team serving Alaska youth and families, with opportunities to participate in TIP/SBIRT trainings, and to work flexible hours supporting community-based recovery efforts.