Peer Support Specialist

University of Arkansas System

Peer Support Specialist in the HEALS Lab at UAMS supporting mental health program participants. Guiding individuals on sobriety and basic mental health practices under licensed providers' supervision.

Posted 7/21/2026full-timeLittle Rock • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in providing peer support and guidance in mental health practices, with a strong focus on personal recovery and community service navigation. Maintains meticulous documentation and fosters positive relationships with diverse professionals and program participants.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Peer Support CertificationBehavioral Health ExperienceCommunity Service KnowledgePersonal Recovery Model SuccessDocumentation Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Soft Skills

Interpersonal SkillsTeam-Focused AttitudeFlexibilityCommunication Skills

Certifications & Qualifications

Peer Support Certificate

Industry Keywords

Mental Health PracticesBehavioral HealthConsumer AdvocacyCoping SkillsCommunity SupportsIn-Person and Virtual SupportUAMSHEALS Lab

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Schedule will be determined at hire based on team needs. Some evening and weekend hours may be required, depending on coverage.
The Peer Support Specialist is housed within the Health and the Legal System (HEALS) Lab in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.
The incumbent will be assigned to grants and contracts within the team.
Using their own unique life experiences, the Peer Support Specialist (PSS) in the HEALS lab will support and provide guidance to program participants on basic mental health practices, accessing needed services and community supports, and sustaining sobriety.
Under the guidance of licensed behavioral health providers, the Peer Support Specialist will function as a role model to HEALS’ program/research participants; exhibit competency in personal recovery and use of coping skills; serve as a behavioral health consumer advocate; and provide basic mental health practices for clients/participants.
The incumbent will maintain timely and meticulous documentation in all roles.
Assigned duties may occur in-person and virtually at the UAMS campus and/or at various locations in the community including within jails and prisons.
Exact assignments may change over time depending on funding and team needs; flexibility, willingness to continue to learn, and a team-focused attitude to assignments are requirements of the position.
This position requires the ability to interact and develop strong positive working relationships with a diverse group of professionals at all levels within the organization and the outside community.
The incumbent will represent UAMS and HEALS Lab in a positive and professional manner and adhere to all best practices, guidelines, policies and procedures as established.
Willingness to undertake in-state travel to community sites is a requirement of the position.

Requirements

What you’ll need

High school diploma/GED required.
Eligible to test for Peer Support certificate in Arkansas within 6 months of employment.
Must be a current or past consumer of mental health or co-occurring behavioral health services.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Ability to utilize individual and group skills.
Strong knowledge of local community services.
2-3 years of success within a personal recovery model.
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree.
Minimum 1 year of experience in a Behavioral Health setting.
Certified Peer Support Specialist in the state of Arkansas.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health: Medical, Dental and Vision plans available for qualifying staff and family
Holiday, Vacation and Sick Leave
Education discount for staff and dependents (undergraduate only)
Retirement: Up to 10% matched contribution from UAMS
Basic Life Insurance up to $50,000
Career Training and Educational Opportunities
Merchant Discounts
Concierge prescription delivery on the main campus when using UAMS pharmacy