Job Description

Peer Support Specialist - PHP/IOP

Otter House Wellness - Asheville, NC

Job Type:

Full-time or Part-time (In-person)

Pay:

$19.00 - $22.00 per hour (depending on experience and certification)

About Otter House Wellness

Otter House Wellness (OHW) is a behavioral health program in Asheville, NC, serving adults with substance use and co-occurring mental health needs. We lead with love and believe in creating an affirming, recovery-centered environment for both clients and staff.

We are seeking a

Peer Support Specialist

to support our PHP and IOP groups. This role uses lived experience in recovery to help clients stay engaged, feel understood, and practice the skills they are learning in treatment.

Responsibilities

Co-facilitate PHP/IOP groups with licensed therapists (skills, recovery, psychoeducation, and process groups). Model recovery and use your lived experience appropriately to offer hope, support, and accountability. Provide brief, non-clinical 1:1 check-ins to support engagement and follow-through with treatment goals. Help orient new clients to the program (group rules, expectations, schedule, and resources). Support group prep and flow (room setup, handouts, materials, maintaining a safe and respectful environment). Communicate observations about client engagement, safety concerns, and group dynamics to the clinical team. Complete brief, timely documentation for groups and check-ins according to program standards. Participate in team meetings and trainings; uphold a recovery-oriented, trauma-informed culture.
Qualifications

Required:

High school diploma or GED. Lived experience with substance use and/or mental health recovery, with stable recovery in place. Ability to share your story appropriately and professionally in a treatment setting. Comfort speaking in groups and engaging with diverse clients. Strong boundaries, reliability, and willingness to use supervision and support.

Preferred:

North Carolina

Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS)

, or willingness to obtain within 6-12 months. Prior experience working or volunteering in behavioral health, recovery housing, peer support, or community recovery settings. Experience co-facilitating groups, meetings, or peer-led activities.
Schedule & Benefits

Schedule:

Monday-Friday, primarily daytime hours; occasional early evenings based on program needs.

Benefits (for eligible employees):

Health, dental, and vision insurance Life insurance Paid time off Flexible scheduling where possible within program needs Professional development and peer support training
Inclusive Hiring

People with a criminal record and individuals directly impacted by addiction or mental health challenges are

strongly encouraged

to apply.

Otter House Wellness is an equal opportunity employer.

Pay: $19.00 - $22.00 per hour

Expected hours: 25 - 40 per week

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Application Question(s):

Are you able to work in person in Asheville, NC, Monday-Friday, with occasional early evening groups if needed?
Yes or No
Do you have lived experience with substance use and/or mental health recovery, and are you comfortable sharing parts of your story appropriately in a professional setting?
Yes or No
What is your status regarding North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) certification?How much experience do you have working or volunteering in behavioral health, recovery housing, peer support, or community recovery programs?
Options:

None

Less than 1 year

1-2 years

3+ years

Work Location: In person