Certified Peer Support Specialist - Gastonia

Home: Peer Support Specialist

Department: Peer Support

Location: Gastonia Office

Start Date: Sept. 24,2026

Position: 1099 Contractor

A North Carolina Peer Support Specialist (NC CPSS) job description centers on providing recovery-oriented support to individuals with mental health and/or substance use challenges, leveraging their own lived experience to foster hope, self-determination, and successful navigation of recovery resources. This role involves individualized guidance, coaching, and advocacy, helping clients with daily living skills, resource identification, and community integration. 

Peer-based recovery support:. 

Providing individualized guidance, coaching, and support to peers with mental health and/or substance use challenges, drawing on lived experience. 

Empowerment and self-determination:. 

Assisting individuals in identifying strengths and goals, promoting self-advocacy, and supporting them in making informed choices about their recovery and services. 

Resource navigation and linkage:. 

Helping clients access and utilize community resources for housing, employment, education, healthcare, and social support networks. 

Crisis intervention and support:. 

Providing support and guidance during crises and working to promote continuity of care with other healthcare professionals. 

Skill development:. 

Assisting with developing self-help, coping, and social skills, as well as functional skills like managing finances and healthcare. 

Role modeling:. 

Modeling recovery values, attitudes, and behaviors to encourage wellness and inspire hope. 

Maintaining accurate records and participating in team meetings and collaborations with other healthcare professionals. 

Qualifications and Requirements:

NC Certified Peer Support Specialist: Certification as a Peer Support Specialist is a requirement in North Carolina. 

Lived experience: Personal experience as a consumer of mental health or substance use services with a history of managing one's own recovery. 

Education: A high school diploma or GED is typically required. 

Stability: A history of sustained recovery without crisis, relapse, psychiatric in-patient treatment, or criminal involvement is often required. 

Specific training: Completion of WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) or equivalent training is often beneficial. 

Transportation: Reliable transportation is frequently necessary for job duties.