Specialist-Peer Support

Job Overview

Responsibilities

The Peer Support Specialist is a person who is living well in recovery, who has experienced a loss of a significant role in his/her life due to the experience of serious mental or serious emotional disturbance, addiction, loss, or trauma. The Peer Support Specialist assists individuals in setting goals for recovery and helping them gain skills and needed resources and support. In addition, you will:

• Provide effective peer mentoring, guidance, and support based on lived experience, with a strong commitment to understanding and promoting mental health recovery.
• Adhere to the Iowa Peer Support Specialist Code of Ethics.
• Collaborate with clients to develop and implement individualized recovery and wellness plans, including goal setting and the creation of coping strategies.
• Assist clients in accessing and navigating community resources, medical appointments, therapy, and support groups.
• Advocate on behalf of clients to ensure their rights are protected and to help them navigate systems such as healthcare, social services, and the criminal justice system.
• Support skill-building by helping clients develop social, daily living, and coping skills that foster independence and personal growth.
• Document client interactions, track progress, and report any concerns, challenges, or notable changes in behavior to clinical and professional staff.
• Respond promptly and appropriately to client crises and emergencies as needed.

Grant-Funded Initiatives (e.g., SAMHSA, State, or Local Projects)

• Support grant-funded initiatives aimed at improving behavioral health outcomes, recovery engagement, and access to care for priority populations (e.g., SUPRT, Hepatitis C (HCV)).
• Participate in program activities and data collection efforts to fulfill grant requirements, including outcome tracking, performance measurement, and reporting.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the success of grant-funded projects and organizational goals.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.

Experience: 

• Self-Identify as an individual with lived experience of a mental health and/or substance use disorder.
• Must be well established in their own recovery and symptoms are stable – at least one (1) year in successful recovery.

Knowledge/Skills:

• Ability to practice healthy self-care
• Knowledge of, and experience in working with adults with brain health disorders.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English, additional languages a plus.
• Possess basic computer skills

Licenses/Certifications:

• Current and valid driver's license and ability to meet agency driving requirements is required. 
• Mandatory Reporter of Child/Dependent Adult Abuse Certification or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire and every three (3) years thereafter required.

Benefits

Competitive benefits package for full-time employees working 30+ hours a week:

• Health insurance (up to 79% employer paid)
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) with profit sharing and employer match 
• Paid time off (accrue up to 80 hours during first year of employment; increases based on tenure with agency)
• 10 paid holidays
• 80 hours sick time
• 2 wellness days
• Staff development and training
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility for federal student loans
• Employer paid CEU's through Relias
• PerkSpot- employee discount program
• Employee assistance program

About the Organization

Hillcrest is a non-profit organization that assists adults and children in need of help. Every day, Hillcrest builds confidence in hundreds of people and families. We strive to be a leading provider in supporting brain health and wellness.  We’re a place where compassion is commonplace. Where our passion soars and faith restores.

**COVID-19 Vaccination Not Required*