What does a Peer Support Specialist do?

Peer Support Specialists use their own experiences to assist people struggling with issues they’ve overcome. Often, their clients have recently been released from inpatient substance use rehab or mental health care facilities. They also may be participating in an extensive outpatient treatment program.

By completing the duties established in a Peer Recovery Specialist job description, they encourage clients to continue with their recovery plans, supporting outcomes and client satisfaction. Peer Support Specialists connect clients with community resources and provide ongoing support.

Peer Support Specialist skills and qualifications

To perform their job duties, Peer Support Specialists rely on certain skills. The following are some qualifications to consider including in your Peer Specialist job description to attract quality candidates:

• Strong interpersonal skills to interact positively with clients and members of the treatment team

• Observational skills to interpret demeanor and spot signs of distress or crisis

• Active listening skills to engage in productive conversations and lead effective group sessions

• Organizational skills to maintain complete, accurate records for multiple clients

• Problem-solving skills to help clients overcome obstacles to their continued recovery

• Writing skills to produce clear, concise recovery reports

• Computer skills to utilize email, word processing and records-management software

• Basic understanding of best practices for substance use and mental health counseling

Peer Support Specialist experience requirements

Instead of formal work history, Peer Support Specialists largely draw from their own life experiences when carrying out their assigned duties. It’s often more important that the candidate has completed a treatment plan and strongly desires to help others. As a result, someone with no previous work experience may succeed in the role, so you may not need to specify any work history requirements in your Peer Support Specialist job description.

If your client base consists of people at high-risk for relapse or crisis, you may prefer to hire candidates with one or more years of previous work experience.

Peer Support Specialist education and training requirements

The minimum education required to work as a Peer Support Specialist depends on the licensing and certification requirements imposed by your state.

As you evaluate candidates, you may wish to prioritize those who hold voluntary National Certified Peer Specialist (NCPS) certification. This credential is available to Peer Support Specialists who meet education and experience requirements and pass a written examination. Some employers may wish to list NCPS certification as a required or preferred qualification in a Peer Specialist job description.

Job description samples for similar positions

If a Peer Recovery Specialist doesn’t fully reflect the nature of your open position, one of these related job titles may be a better fit:

• Behavioral Specialist

• Caseworker

• Community Health Worker

• Mental Health Counselor

Peer Support Specialist job description FAQs

What’s the difference between a Peer Support Specialist and a Community Health Worker?

Peer Support Specialists and Community Health Workers assist people undergoing treatments, but they work with different populations. A Peer Support Specialist assists individuals with a history of substance use or a mental health condition, while Community Health Workers support those with complex medical conditions, such as diabetes or cancer.

What’s the difference between a Peer Support Specialist and a Behavioral Health Technician?

Both Peer Support Specialists and Behavioral Health Technicians are involved in mental health treatment. Behavioral Health Technicians work inside mental health clinics and facilities, assisting psychiatrists and psychiatric nurses in carrying out treatment plans. Peer Support Specialists usually work outside these settings, providing everyday support for clients.

What’s the difference between a Peer Support Specialist and a Therapist?

Education is the biggest difference between Peer Support Specialists and Counselors. Specialists may receive only several days of training, while Counselors complete master’s degree programs, allowing them to provide therapy for clients.