Peer Recovery Support Specialist, Level I

Gateway Foundation

Peer Recovery Support Specialist delivering support for individuals with substance use and mental health disorders at a national non-profit organization. Engaging with patients to develop personalized recovery plans and facilitating their recovery journey.

Posted 7/15/2026full-timeLake Villa • Illinois • 🇺🇸 United StatesJunior💰 $17 - $24 per hourWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in providing individualized peer support services, developing recovery support plans, and maintaining accurate documentation in electronic health records. Proficient in leveraging recovery experience and community resources to assist patients in their recovery journey.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Peer Recovery Specialist CertificationMental Health KnowledgeSubstance Use ExperienceTrauma-Informed CareElectronic Health Records Proficiency

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Assessment ConductingRecovery Support PlanningDocumentation MaintenanceRelapse Prevention Strategy DevelopmentCommunity Resource Identification

Soft Skills

Interpersonal SkillsCommunication SkillsActive ListeningTeam CollaborationIndependent Work

Certifications & Qualifications

Peer Recovery Specialist Certification

Industry Keywords

Recovery PrinciplesHarm Reduction ApproachesMultidisciplinary TeamPatient EngagementCare Coordination

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Maintains a caseload as determined during the admissions process for patients participating in residential and outpatient treatment services.
Conducts assessments to identify the need for support services and works collaboratively with patients to develop individualized recovery support plans that emphasize purpose, mindfulness, and personal goals.
Provides a minimum of 20–25 hours each week of direct individualized in-person, telephonic or virtual peer support services.
Maintains accurate and timely documentation of recovery plans, interventions, resources and progress notes in the electronic health record in accordance with policies, procedures, and regulatory and accreditation standards.
Participates in ongoing recovery support services by identifying community resources and connecting patients with the appropriate services to further support their recovery journey.
Assists with the coordination of transportation to supported services in the community as identified in recovery plan.
Identifies relapse prevention strategies to support patients in managing and coping with triggers and high-risk situations and assists patients in building and sustaining a recovery-oriented social network to engage in healthy, meaningful activities.
Participates in interdisciplinary case staffing meetings to discuss care coordination and ensure peer informed care.
Contributes expertise in regular peer recovery team meetings to evaluate program effectiveness and individual patient progress.

Requirements

What you’ll need

High school diploma or equivalent required.
1 year of mental health and/or substance use knowledge and experience.
Ability to participate and complete required supervised work experience and obtain a certification as a Peer Recovery Specialist within 1 year of hire.
Demonstrated ability to leverage recovery experience to engage patients during their recovery journey.
Demonstrated interpersonal, communication, and active listening skills to assess individual needs and develop individual support plans.
Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Familiarity with recovery principles, trauma-informed care, and harm reduction approaches.
Ability to learn and become proficient in using electronic health records to maintain enter and maintain treatment documentation.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents
Employee wellness program promoting health and fitness and offering cash-saving premiums
Employee assistance programs focused on mental health
403(b) Retirement Plan with 3% employer match
Short-term and Long-term Disability and Life and AD&D Insurance paid for by Gateway
Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care
18 paid time off days per year – accrual rates increase with years of service
9 paid company holidays
Training & Development Programs
Tuition Reimbursement - up to $5,250 per calendar year
eLearning access to online courses that provide CEU’s and job-related training