Peer Support Specialist

Peer Support Specialist Caritas Care Solutions - 2.6 Lexington, KY Job Details Full-time $18 - $20 an hour 1 day ago Benefits Dental insurance Vision insurance Qualifications High school diploma or GED Full Job Description Certified Adult Mental Health Peer Support Specialist (Adult Peer Support) Job Description Organization Overview Caritas Care Solutions is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization delivering innovative behavioral wellness and crisis stabilization solutions to individuals throughout Kentucky. Through direct services and strategic community partnerships, we serve as a critical conduit to immediate safety net supports, housing stabilization, and essential care for individuals and families facing acute crisis—particularly those with high-acuity behavioral health needs. Position Overview The Certified Adult Mental Health Peer Support Specialist (PSS) provides recovery-oriented, person-centered services to adults experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges. Drawing upon their own lived experience, the Peer Support Specialist fosters hope, empowerment, and self-determination while assisting clients in navigating recovery, stabilizing during crisis, and connecting to essential supports. This position plays a key role in Caritas Care Solutions' crisis response and stabilization continuum, partnering closely with clinical and case management teams to ensure individuals receive holistic, compassionate, and effective care. Core Responsibilities Lived Experience & Engagement Utilize personal lived experience of mental health and/or substance use recovery to build trust and rapport with clients. Model recovery, resilience, and wellness strategies in a professional and ethical manner. Promote hope and self-advocacy through peer connection. Goal Setting & Recovery Planning Support individuals in developing individualized, strength-based recovery goals. Assist with actionable planning around housing stability, employment, daily living skills, and wellness. Encourage participant ownership of their recovery journey. Skill Building & Coaching Teach and reinforce coping skills, problem-solving techniques, and symptom self-management. Support development of independent living skills and community integration. Provide guidance in navigating systems of care. Resource Navigation & Linkage Connect clients to community resources including housing, employment, benefits, healthcare, and social supports. Assist with referrals and follow-up to ensure continuity of care. Serve as a bridge between individuals and formal services. Group Facilitation Lead or co-facilitate peer support groups and psychoeducational sessions focused on recovery, wellness, and crisis prevention. Create a safe, inclusive, and recovery-focused group environment. Multidisciplinary Collaboration Collaborate with social workers, therapists, case managers, and medical providers to support integrated care. Participate in team meetings and contribute peer perspective to treatment planning. Documentation & Compliance Maintain timely and accurate documentation of client interactions in accordance with organizational, Medicaid, and state guidelines. Adhere to confidentiality standards (HIPAA) and ethical peer support practices. Minimum Qualifications Lived Experience Must have lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery, with the ability to use that experience meaningfully in a professional peer support role. Demonstrated stability in personal recovery. Education High school diploma or GED required. Bachelor Degree Preferred. Certification (Kentucky-Specific Requirements) Preferred at

Hire:

Kentucky Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) or equivalent (Adult Peer Support). Required Within 6

Months of Hire:

Obtain designation as a Registered Peer Support Specialist (RPSS) in Kentucky through the Kentucky Board of Alcohol and Drug Counselors (KBADC) or applicable state authority. Complete state-approved peer support training and supervision requirements.

Ongoing Requirement:

Maintain active certification/registration in good standing, including continuing education as required by Kentucky regulations. Skills & Competencies Strong interpersonal and active listening skills. Ability to engage individuals in crisis with empathy and non-judgmental support. Basic computer skills for documentation (EHR systems preferred). Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Cultural humility and commitment to serving diverse and underserved populations. Preferred Qualifications Experience working in behavioral health, crisis response, homelessness services, or community-based care. Knowledge of Kentucky behavioral health and social service systems. Experience facilitating peer groups or recovery programming. Work Environment & Expectations Community-based and field work required, including crisis and outreach settings. Ability to respond effectively in high-acuity and fast-paced situations. Flexible scheduling may be required to meet client needs. Compensation & Employment Type Full Time Employment Compensation commensurate with experience and certification level. Health, Vision and Dental benefits are available for full-time employees. Equal Opportunity Statement Caritas Care Solutions is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace and encourages individuals with lived experience to apply.