Peer Support Specialist

Description

Harbor House | Jackson, MS
Full-Time | Trauma-Informed & Recovery-Oriented Services

OUR MISSION

Harbor House’s mission remains to offer hope to adults by providing an effective continuum of high-quality, valuable, and compassionate behavioral health treatment services.

WHY HARBOR HOUSE

Harbor House is a trauma-informed, recovery-oriented residential substance use treatment program committed to compassionate, evidence-based care. We believe recovery is relational, accountability is therapeutic, and dignity matters.

At Harbor House, lived experience is a powerful part of healing. We are seeking a Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) who uses their own recovery journey to inspire hope, build trust, and walk alongside individuals as they navigate treatment and recovery.

This role is not clinical or enforcement-based. It is about connection, empowerment, and helping people believe recovery is possible.

Position Overview

The Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) is a recovery support professional who uses lived experience with substance use and/or mental health recovery to inspire hope, build trust, and support individuals as they navigate treatment and long-term recovery.

This role is intentionally distinct from clinical and monitoring roles. CPSSs serve as recovery engagement specialists—supporting clients through connection, coaching, advocacy, and systems navigation.

• Establish authentic, supportive peer relationships grounded in mutual respect
• Provide hope, encouragement, and recovery modeling through appropriate self-disclosure
• Support recovery goal-setting, coping strategies, and relapse prevention skills
• Assist clients with transitions, discharge planning, and community linkage
• Engage clients who may be ambivalent or struggling with trust in treatment systems
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary treatment team within scope of practice
• Document peer support services accurately and timely per DMH requirements

Certified Peer Support Specialists promote emotional safety, dignity, and empowerment. They maintain clear role boundaries and do not perform clinical treatment, enforcement, or disciplinary functions. Trauma-informed peer support at Harbor House emphasizes collaboration, respect, and accountability.

• What We're Looking For (Position Qualifications):
• Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) credential recognized by Mississippi DMH
• High School Diploma or GED. No waiver of education shall be granted
• Lived experience with substance use and/or mental health recovery. Knowledge and understanding of AA philosophy and 12 Steps.
• Required period of sustained recovery per DMH standards
• Strong communication skills and ability to maintain professional boundaries

This role operates within a residential behavioral health treatment setting and may involve exposure to individuals experiencing emotional distress. Supervision, training, and support are provided to promote staff wellness and effectiveness.

• Trauma-informed, recovery-oriented culture
• Clear role boundaries that protect peer integrity
• Respect for lived experience as a professional asset
• Supportive supervision and ongoing training
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact every day

This position is at-will. This posting is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties and may evolve to meet program needs.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The above statements describe the general nature of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required for subject position. Management may add to, delete, or alter specific responsibilities of any position if such responsibilities are reasonable assignments to the position. I acknowledge and understand that my job description is not intended to be a contract, expressed or implied, and does not alter my status as an at-will employee.