Peer Support Specialist

Position Summary

You are a Hope Dealer—someone who carries light into the darkest places and reminds people that their story is not over. Our Peer Supporters are in the trenches with people who are still on the street due to their addiction, trapped in homelessness, human trafficking, and mental health disorders. Peer Supporters have been there before, and are now at a place in their life and recovery to carry the message of sobriety, recovery, and new life to everyone we encounter. Relationships, belonging, mutuality, and spiritual transformation are the core values of all Hope Dealer Staff and Volunteers. This is how we do this work.

Key Responsibilities

Peer Supporter

  • Build relationships with individuals in need, offering non-judgmental and empathetic support.

  • Practice active listening meaning listening for key words and emotions that might open the conversation to the possibility of detox, treatment, or sober living opportunities, leading to one living their best life in recovery.

  • Share personal experiences of recovery and overcoming challenges to provide hope and motivation.

  • Assist individuals in setting goals for recovery, housing stability, employment, or other life improvements.

  • Help clients navigate recovery programs, social services, and other community resources.

  • Connect participants with detox, treatment, and/or sober living programs.

  • Provide education and harm reduction strategies to individuals still in active addiction.

  • Participate in outreach events 

  • Maintain confidential case notes and track participant progress in accordance with organizational policies.

  • Ensure adherence to ethics, boundaries, and confidentiality in all interactions.

  • Attend staff meetings, training, and ongoing professional development opportunities.

Qualifications & Experience

  • Lived experience with addiction, mental illness or other significant barriers, with at least two years of sustained recovery (required).

  • Certified Peer Recovery Supporter (CPRS).

  • Must be active in a personal program of recovery (12 steps or other) including having a sponsor or spiritual mentor, reflecting the principles of recovery in our everyday life.

  • Strong interpersonal skills, ability to build trust and establish supportive relationships.

  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, sometimes unpredictable environment.

  • Cultural competency and ability to work with diverse populations, including those with complex trauma histories.

  • Proficiency in computer use, email, and documentation systems.

  • Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.

Work Environment & Expectations

  • Peer Support Specialists must be comfortable working with individuals in crisis and demonstrate strong emotional resilience.

  • Hope Dealer Community provides Peer Support in a variety of environments, including, but not limited to recovery meetings, The Hope Resource Center, Franklin County Jail, and other avenues for walking alongside people in addiction and into recovery.

  • This role also requires rotating evening, weekend, and on-call availability to meet the needs of clients.

Requirements for Employment

  • Pre-Employment Drug Screening and Adherence to Drug & Alcohol Policy

  • Background Check (backgrounds will not necessarily inhibit employment)

  • Two-years sustained recovery

  • Ability to identify and exhibit a personal program of recovery

  • Certified Peer Recovery Support

Employment Type: Full Time, 30 hours per week
Compensation: starting at $19-$21 per hour, with opportunity for growth after 90 day probationary period
Pre-Tax Benefits Available: Dental / Vision / Disability Options; Support with ACA Marketplace enrollment; Employee-Contributing retirement plans
Paid-Time Off: 1 week after 6-month continuous employment; 1 additional day after every full year of continuous employment (up to 3 weeks total)

Why Join The Hope Dealer Community?

  • Make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals seeking hope and healing.

  • Be part of a supportive, mission-driven team dedicated to transformational work.

  • Opportunities for growth, training, and professional development in peer support and recovery services.

    To apply: Click here to fill out the application and upload your resume.