Certified Peer Recovery Specialist

Location: Baltimore, MD


Job Type: Full-Time, Part-Time, W-2 Employee

Work Setup: Onsite

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM or Saturday - Sunday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM

Pay Rate: $15.00–$25.00 per hour, based on experience, credentials, and budget

Job Description

Use your lived experience to inspire hope, support recovery, and help clients build stability.

We are seeking a compassionate and dependable Certified Peer Recovery Specialist to provide peer-based recovery support, skill-building services, and residential support to individuals with mental health, substance use, or co-occurring challenges.

This role is ideal for someone who is committed to recovery, person-centered care, and helping clients build confidence, independence, and community connection. Services are provided onsite in a supportive housing setting, with some community-based support as assigned.

The Certified Peer Recovery Specialist will support clients through peer mentoring, recovery planning, skill-building, documentation, wellness activities, and coordination with program teams.

Key Responsibilities

Peer Recovery Support

● Provide one-on-one peer support to individuals in recovery from mental health, substance use, or co-occurring challenges.
● Use lived experience to promote hope, empowerment, resiliency, and self-advocacy.
● Assist clients with recovery planning, goal setting, coping skills, and community resource connections.
● Facilitate or co-facilitate recovery groups, wellness activities, and peer-led workshops.

Skill-Building and Community Support

● Support clients with daily living skills, including hygiene, transportation, budgeting, cooking, cleaning, and appointment follow-through.
● Help clients navigate housing, employment, legal, benefits, and community support systems.
● Promote independence, wellness, and recovery-oriented decision-making.
● Collaborate with counselors, nurse case managers, supervisors, and program staff to support client goals.

Residential and Program Support

● Help maintain a safe, structured, and supportive residential environment.
● Conduct room checks, document daily observations, and communicate tenant concerns as needed.
● Support medication access protocols, safety drills, wellness activities, and resident engagement.
● Report maintenance needs, safety concerns, incidents, or behavioral changes promptly.

Documentation and Compliance

● Complete accurate and timely progress notes, logs, and required documentation in the electronic health record system.
● Follow confidentiality, HIPAA, COMAR, CARF, Medicaid, and agency documentation standards.
● Participate in supervision, trainings, team meetings, audits, and quality improvement activities.
● Maintain ethical peer practice and healthy professional boundaries.

Qualifications

● High school diploma or GED required.
● Valid Maryland Certified Peer Recovery Specialist credential required.
● Personal lived experience with recovery from substance use and/or mental health challenges required.
● Minimum 1 year of sustained recovery strongly preferred.
● At least 1 year of experience in behavioral health, social services, supportive housing, or human services preferred.
● Must pass background check and complete all required onboarding and training.
● CPR/First Aid certification required or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
● Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation preferred.

COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS

● Strong ability to connect with clients through empathy, respect, and lived experience.
● Knowledge of recovery pathways, peer support values, and trauma-informed care.
● Strong communication, active listening, and de-escalation skills.
● Ability to document clearly and accurately in an electronic health record.
● Dependable, trustworthy, organized, and ethical.
● Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team.
● Compassionate, recovery-focused, and culturally responsive approach.

What We Offer

Eligible employees may receive Paid Time Off, Family and Medical Leave, health/medical/dental insurance reimbursement or available health coverage, supplemental health and disability insurance options, retirement savings plan, and professional development support.