"Alerted.org

Peer Employment Specialist - Mental Health & Substance Use Recovery Services

Multiple Positions Available: Greater Danbury Area, Greater Waterbury Area, Greater New Haven Area, & Greater Norwalk Area

Hours: M-F 8A-4P/8:30A-4:30P Flex (Full Time)

Salary: $45,000 / year

Ability Beyond is expanding our Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Programs, and we’re seeking Peer Employment Specialists who have lived experience in substance use recovery and want to use their journey to inspire and support others.

If you’re passionate about mental wellness, promoting recovery, and helping others find purpose through meaningful work, this is your opportunity to make a real impact in your community.

About the Role:

As a Peer Employment Specialist, you’ll draw on your personal experience in recovery to guide and empower others as they work toward employment and long-term stability. You’ll serve as a mentor, advocate, and role model - helping individuals develop skills, build confidence, and achieve their employment goals while maintaining their own recovery journey.

What You’ll Do:

• Empower Through Shared Experience: Use your lived experience with substance use recovery to provide understanding, encouragement, and motivation to others in similar situations.

• Career and Recovery Support: Assist individuals in exploring career options, building resumes, preparing for interviews, and developing workplace and coping skills.

• Job Development: Partner with employers and community organizations to create supportive and inclusive employment opportunities.

• Peer Mentorship: Foster hope and connection through peer support, focusing on strengths, recovery goals, and self-determination.

• Advocacy & Follow-Up: Provide consistent follow-up and advocacy to help individuals maintain employment and wellness.

• Documentation: Complete required documentation accurately and maintain communication with participants and team members.

Why You’ll Love This Role:

• Your Experience Matters: Turn your personal recovery journey into a powerful tool to support others.

• Be Part of Something New: Join our team during an exciting expansion of our mental health and substance use recovery programs.

• Make a Real Impact: Help others achieve recovery, self-sufficiency, and meaningful employment.

• Professional Growth: Gain training and certification in evidence-based employment and peer support practices.

• Community and Purpose: Work alongside a supportive team that values wellness, empathy, and inclusion.

Benefits:

• Paid peer support and recovery coach training and certification programs

• Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, pet insurance)

• Paid time off that increases with years of service

• 403B retirement plan with self-directed options

• PSLF loan forgiveness eligibility

• Employee Assistance Program with mental health and wellness resources

• Ongoing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging initiatives

Requirements:

• Lived experience in substance use recovery required or Recovery Coach Certification or Recovery Support Specialist Certification

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, human services, or related field OR relevant experience

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

• Strong communication, empathy, and advocacy skills

If you’re ready to use your recovery experience to inspire others and make a meaningful difference, we’d love to have you join our growing team.

Apply today to become a Peer Employment Specialist and help others discover hope, purpose, and independence through meaningful work.

See what a day in the life looks like:

Career Development - Life of An Employment Specialist (youtube.com) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLUarkFlG34)