Certified Peer Specialist

Careers At Hillcrest Children and Family Center

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Hillcrest Children & Family Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to the provision of comprehensive, evidence-based mental health services in Washington, DC. We are committed to fostering community awareness, eliminating systemic barriers, and delivering compassionate, high-quality care to individuals navigating mental health challenges.

The Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) serves as a vital member of the multidisciplinary recovery team. Utilizing their personal, lived experience with mental health challenges and/or substance use recovery, the CPS provides non-clinical, peer-to-peer support to help individuals navigate their own recovery journeys. Service is provided to individuals or groups.

• Must self-identify as a person in recovery with lived experience navigating mental health or substance use systems and demonstrate a commitment to supporting others through their own recovery process.
• Connect clients with the services and various professionals necessary for their recovery.
• Must be able to maintain a professional boundary while utilizing self-disclosure as a peer-support tool for best practice.
• Provide ongoing assessment of clients’ wants and needs and facilitate the development and updating of the Individualized Recovery Plan.
• Guides and coaches’ clients on how to successfully manage their illness through the development of symptom recognition skills, symptom management skills, and coping skills.
• Aids in facilitating independence and achievement of their recovery goals including daily living skills, interpersonal skills, independent transportation skills and anger management skills.
• Assists and supports clients in crisis situations.
• Assists clients in applying for all benefits and entitlements that will provide for their needs, such as SSI, Medicaid, Section 8, energy assistance, and reduced fare metro cards.
• Assists clients in developing natural support networks by locating supports and services in the community such as AA, self-help groups, and recreational centers.
• Locate safe, sanitary, and affordable housing for clients that is appropriate for the level of care that they need; provide support during transition from different types of housing.
• Accompany clients to appointments, visit clients in their homes, and meet with clients where they socialize, worship, and work.
• Provide education, support and consultation to clients’ families and support system, as appropriate.
• Document all services and progress notes in real-time or within 24 hours of interaction.
• Update and review Individualized Recovery Plans (IRPs) every 180 days.
• Manage and report all professional correspondence according to program timelines.
• Provide monitoring when clients are engaged in services with other agencies.
• Participate in the daily SUD Huddles.
• Participate in the on-call system that will respond to clients after hours and on weekends.
• Provide advocacy and support for clients as they navigate social, governmental, and community systems

• High School Diploma or GED required. Bachelor’s degree in a psychology, human services, or equivalent is preferred; however, equivalent professional or lived experience may be accepted in lieu of a degree
• Must maintain current and valid Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) certification as required by the District of Columbia
• 1-3 years of experience in addiction counseling or related field
• Experience working directly with people in a service-oriented field is beneficial.
• Reliable transportation for community-based visits is required
• Awareness of the importance of recovery in living with a mental illness or addictions problem.
• Active membership in a consumer advocacy or self-help group preferred.
• Personal traits that include patience, tolerance, caring, maturity, and understanding.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.)
• Affordable Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401K Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Sick Leave
• Paid Company Holidays
• Life Insurance
• Opportunities for professional development and leadership training
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)

• Full-Time

We invite qualified candidates who are aligned with our mission of compassionate, high-quality care to submit their application.