Certified Peer Recovery Specialist

Primary Health Care, Inc (PHC)

Certified Peer Recovery Specialist providing peer support for substance use and mental health recovery. Collaborating with healthcare and program teams to assist individuals in gaining independence in their recovery process.

Posted 7/23/2026full-timeAmes • Iowa • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $17 - $26 per hourWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in peer support, recovery planning, and effective communication while advocating for individuals with lived experience in substance use disorder, mental illness, or homelessness. Proficient in maintaining documentation and utilizing community resources to facilitate recovery.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Peer Recovery Specialist CertificationTrauma Informed CareCulturally Competent CareEffective Communication SkillsProblem Solving Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Personal Recovery CompetencyCoping SkillsKnowledge of Community ResourcesDocumentation MaintenanceMicrosoft Office ProficiencyElectronic Health Record SystemsHomeless Management Information Systems

Soft Skills

Customer Service SkillsInterpersonal SkillsTeam OrientationProfessionalismEmpathy

Certifications & Qualifications

Peer Recovery Specialist Certification from Iowa Board of CertificationCurrent Mandatory Reporter Training

Industry Keywords

Substance Use DisorderMental IllnessHomelessnessRecovery ProcessSupport Networks

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provides one-on-one support to assist peers in assessing needs, setting goals for recovery, establishing support networks, and developing relapse prevention plans.
Support may be provided in person, virtually, or telephonically at PHC locations or other mutually agreed upon appropriate locations.
May transport peers to assist in their recovery process based on department needs.
Assists peers to work with their treatment team and/or case manager to achieve their goals including setting appointments, making referrals, and providing education about resources.
Provides continuity of communication between peers, care providers, and social supports.
Maintains accurate and complete peer support documentation.
Advocates for the needs and perspectives of peers to support their goals and recovery.
Teaches the value of every individual’s recovery experience, and emphasizes strength of the peer’s voice throughout the recovery process.
Participates in community events and presentations.
Participates in performance improvement activities to evaluate programs and service systems.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Completion of high school diploma or equivalent.
Demonstrates competency in personal recovery and use of coping skills.
Lived experience in substance use disorder, mental illness, or homelessness.
Understands and applies principles of trauma informed and culturally competent care.
Knowledge of local community and housing resources.
Excellent customer service skills.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Team oriented.
Proficiency using computers including Microsoft Office applications and ability to learn the electronic health record and/or homeless management information systems.
Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of individuals.
Problem solving skills.
Demonstrates professionalism with ability to remain composed in high stress situations and show empathy.
Peer Recovery Specialist Certification from Iowa Board of Certification,
Current Mandatory Reporter Training: Child Abuse and Dependent Adult Abuse recognized by the State of Iowa;
Valid Iowa Chauffeur’s License (Class D)

Benefits

Comp & perks

Earn 4 weeks of PTO throughout your first year of employment and enjoy paid holidays as well.
Continue to develop your skills and grow your career through PHC’s training opportunities including: PHC University, Emerging Leaders, and medical and dental assistant training programs.
License/certification fee reimbursement
Paid time off for continuing education & continuing education reimbursement
Tuition reimbursement program
401k with company match
Medical insurance - PHC Pays, on average, 80% of medical premiums for all plan types (employee, employee + family, etc.)
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Life & disability insurance
Flexible spending & health savings accounts
Supplemental accident & critical illness insurance
Discounts on pet insurance
Visit https://phciowa.org/careers for a summary of PHC’s benefits.