Peer Support Specialist

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St. Patrick Center provides opportunities for self-sufficiency and dignity to people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Individuals and families build permanent, positive change in their lives through safe and affordable housing, sound mental and physical health, and employment and financial stability.

Working collaboratively with individuals, businesses, government, and other service providers, St. Patrick Center aims to end chronic homelessness in the St. Louis region through Housing First, an evidence-based practice that removes barriers, conducts early intake and assessment, moves people into housing, and offers support to help them achieve their goals.

St. Patrick Center, a ministry of Catholic Charities, is hiring a Peer Specialist to join the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Program. As part of the ACT team, the Peer Specialist will provide professional and quality program services to clients. Responsibilities include coordinating assessments, treatment planning, follow-up, and serving as an advocate and liaison for client rights and benefits. The core working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM.

We offer benefits such as free supervision and student loan forgiveness opportunities.

• Provide peer counseling and support to validate clients’ experiences.
• Guide and encourage clients to take responsibility and participate actively in their recovery.
• Serve as a mentor to promote hope and empowerment.
• Assist non-mental health team members in understanding clients’ experiences.
• Offer expertise and consultation from a mental health consumer perspective.
• Collaborate to support client self-determination and rights in treatment planning.
• Act as liaison with community agencies and coordinate treatment processes.
• Participate in team meetings and provide direct clinical services as needed.
• Teach symptom management and promote personal growth regarding mental health and substance use issues.
• Support clients with daily activities, vocational skills, housing access, and transportation.
• Maintain client records and documentation according to agency policies.
• Engage with other programs within St. Patrick Center to ensure comprehensive care.
• Attend all relevant meetings and perform additional duties as assigned.

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Certified as a Peer Specialist within 1 year of hire through the Department of Mental Health.
• Knowledge of severe mental illness, homelessness, substance use, and co-occurring disorders.
• Understanding of community agencies preferred.
• Knowledge of confidentiality policies preferred.
• Ability to empower and partner with clients.
• Knowledge of ethical issues in co-occurring disorders.
• Counseling and crisis intervention skills.
• Self-motivated and respectful.
• Culturally sensitive.
• Ability to work in a team and walk multiple flights of stairs.

• Valid driver’s license (Class E for MO residents).
• Auto insurance and reliable vehicle.
• Minimum of 37.5 hours workweek.

St. Patrick Center does not discriminate based on disability and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All candidates must undergo pre-employment screening, including background checks, drug screens, and verification of employment and education. Some positions may require additional health screenings.

To bring the healing, help, and hope of Jesus Christ to those in need with a compassionate, caring presence.

Transforming lives and creating a community where everyone has access to housing, employment, and healthcare.

As part of Catholic Charities, we offer resources such as parental leave, flexible work arrangements, insurance options, and support for child and elder care.