Job Description

Residential Treatment Peer Support Specialist

The Hope Center is a non-profit organization in Lexington, Kentucky dedicated to serving homeless and at-risk individuals. We provide life-sustaining and life-rebuilding services including emergency shelter, food, recovery programs, mental health services, transitional housing, employment counseling, and more. Join our team and be part of a compassionate community making a real difference in the lives of those we serve.

The Residential Treatment Peer Support Specialist at Hope Center, Inc. provides non-clinical, peer-based support to individuals residing in the treatment program. Drawing from lived experience with substance use and/or mental health recovery, the Peer Support Specialist fosters hope, empowerment, and personal growth in residents by modeling recovery, offering encouragement, and assisting in navigating services and resources. This role plays a vital part in promoting a recovery-oriented environment, enhancing client engagement, and supporting the individual's goals as outlined in their treatment plan.

Lived Experience & Recovery Knowledge

- Demonstrates personal experience with substance use and/or mental health recovery and the ability to appropriately share experiences to support and inspire others.

Empathy & Relationship-Building

- Establishes trust and rapport with residents through active listening, respect, and non-judgmental communication.

Team Collaboration

- Works effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team, contributing peer perspective while respecting clinical roles and responsibilities.

Boundaries & Ethics

- Maintains clear professional boundaries and adheres to ethical standards, confidentiality laws (including 42 CFR Part 2), and agency policies.

Communication & Documentation

- Clearly communicates with residents and staff, and accurately documents peer support services and progress in a timely manner.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Peer-Based Support & Mentorship

Provide one-on-one peer support to a minimum of 5 residents per week, focusing on shared recovery experiences. Track and report the number of peer sessions and key themes discussed monthly.

Recovery Goal Development

Assist at least 80% of assigned residents in creating individualized recovery plans within their first 14 days of admission. Document progress toward goals in resident records bi-weekly.

Group Facilitation

Facilitate or co-facilitate a minimum of 2 recovery-focused groups or activities per week. Collect participant feedback quarterly to assess group effectiveness and engagement.

Team Collaboration

Attend and contribute to weekly interdisciplinary team meetings. Provide peer perspective on resident progress and advocate for recovery-oriented approaches.

Resource Navigation

Support at least 3 residents per month in accessing external services (e.g., housing, employment, aftercare). Maintain a resource log to track referrals and outcomes.

Confidentiality & Ethics

Adhere to 100% compliance with 42 CFR Part 2 and agency confidentiality policies. Participate in annual confidentiality training and pass post-training assessments.

Documentation

Complete documentation of all peer interactions within 24 hours in accordance with agency standards. Maintain a documentation accuracy rate of 95% or higher during audits.

Environment Support

Conduct weekly checks to ensure the living environment remains safe and recovery-friendly. Report and follow up on any concerns or incidents within 24 hours.

Professional Development

Attend at least 1 training or supervision session per month to enhance peer support skills. Maintain certification or credentialing as required by the agency or state. High school diploma or equivalent required. Must have personal, lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery and at least one year of continuous recovery. Completion of state-recognized Peer Support Specialist training and certification. Previous experience working or volunteering in a peer support, recovery, or behavioral health setting preferred. Familiarity with recovery principles, trauma-informed care, and person-centered approaches strongly preferred Certified Peer Support Specialist credential recognized by the state is required. Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required. CPR/First Aid certification preferred or must be obtained within 90 days of hire.
This is a part-time position. Typical hours are Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. However, the Peer Support Specialist may be required to fill in during weekday day shifts, evening hours, or holidays to ensure adequate coverage and support for program activities and client needs. Flexibility is essential, and regular, punctual attendance is expected.

The Residential Treatment Peer Support Specialist primarily works within a residential treatment facility that serves individuals with mental health and substance use challenges. The environment is supportive but can be fast-paced and emotionally intense. The role involves frequent interaction with residents and staff in both group and one-on-one settings. The position may require occasional work during evenings, weekends, or holidays to support program needs. The Specialist may be exposed to unpredictable behaviors and must maintain a calm, professional demeanor while ensuring a safe and respectful atmosphere.

Pay: $17.00 per hour

Expected hours: 24.0 per week

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Paid time off
Work Location: In person