Peer Support Specialist

Job DetailsJob Location: Newark, NJ 07105Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $20.00 - $23.00 HourlyJob Shift: DayPOSITION SUMMARY

The Peer Support Specialist provides guidance, support, and advocacy to individuals experiencing behavioral health or substance use challenges. Drawing from personal experience and professional training, the Peer Support Specialist assists patients in navigating treatment, developing coping skills, and achieving recovery goals. This role promotes engagement, empowerment, and connection to community and clinical resources.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES


Provide peer-to-peer support and mentorship to individuals in behavioral health or substance use programs.
Share personal recovery experiences to inspire and guide patients while maintaining professional boundaries.
Assist patients in developing coping strategies, life skills, and self-advocacy techniques.
Facilitate group sessions, educational workshops, and community support activities.
Connect patients with internal and community resources, including mental health services, social services, and recovery programs.
Collaborate with clinical and administrative teams to support individualized care plans.
Maintain accurate documentation of interactions, interventions, and progress in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) or designated system.
Promote patient engagement, empowerment, and adherence to treatment goals.
Participate in treatment team meetings, care coordination, and quality improvement initiatives.
Uphold confidentiality, HIPAA, and PREA regulations at all times.
Promote a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment for patients.


ORGANIZATIONAL EXPECTATIONS


Provides a positive and professional representation of CFG Health Systems, LLC.
Promotes a culture of safety for patients and employees through proper identification, reporting, documentation, and prevention.
Maintains competency and knowledge of current standards of practice, trends, and developments related to the scope of the role.
Adheres to infection control policies and protocols, medication administration and storage procedures, and controlled substance regulations, as applicable.
Participates in ongoing quality improvement activities.
Completes required orientation and training as directed by the facility.
Follows facility policies, OSHA safety rules, and procedures while on assignment.
Follows facility and CFG Health Systems Occurrence Protocol.
Upholds HIPAA and PREA regulations.
Demonstrates punctuality and dependability for assigned and confirmed shifts.
Maintains required security clearance for the assigned facility.

QualificationsPOSITION REQUIREMENTS

Education


High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in behavioral health, social work, or a related field preferred.


Experience


Personal experience in behavioral health recovery or substance use recovery required.
Experience working in peer support, counseling, or patient advocacy preferred.
Experience in healthcare, behavioral health, or correctional settings is a plus.


Licensure & Certification


Peer Support Specialist certification or equivalent preferred (varies by state/facility).
Training in crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, or recovery coaching preferred.


Skills & Competencies


Strong interpersonal, communication, and active listening skills.
Ability to build rapport and establish trust with individuals in recovery.
Knowledge of behavioral health, substance use, and recovery resources.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with clinical and administrative teams.
Ability to maintain professional boundaries while providing empathetic support.
Competency with documentation and basic technology for recordkeeping.


PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made, upon written request, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.


May be required to stand, sit, walk, reach, bend, kneel, crouch, or stretch for prolonged periods.
Ability to communicate effectively and understand written and verbal communication.
Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.