Peer Support Specialist (PSR) - Mental Health
Job Description
Job Description
Anuvia Prevention & Recovery Center | Career Opportunity
NOW HIRING Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) Specialist — Full-Time • Peer Support / Paraprofessional • Adult Mental Health
Monday – Friday, Day Hours • On-Site, Charlotte, NC
Department
Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR)
Functional Area
Adult Mental Health • Skill-Building • Recovery & Community Inclusion
Reports To
PSR Program Director (Qualified Professional)
FLSA Status
Hourly / Non-Exempt
Certification
NC Certified Peer Support Specialist (NCCPSS) preferred
Education
High school diploma or GED required
License
Valid NC or SC Driver’s License required
Work Hours
Monday – Friday, day hours; program operates a minimum of 5 hours per day, 5 days per week
“The PSR Specialist walks alongside adults living with mental illness — helping them rebuild the everyday skills, confidence, and connections that turn recovery into a full life in the community.”
Position Summary
The PSR Specialist provides direct rehabilitation and recovery support services to adults living with severe and persistent mental illness in Anuvia’s Psychosocial Rehabilitation program. Working under the supervision of the PSR Program Director (a Qualified Professional), the PSR Specialist helps members build and restore the skills needed to live, learn, and work in their communities, consistent with each member’s Person-Centered Plan.
Candidates who are North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialists are strongly encouraged to apply — lived experience of recovery is a powerful asset in this role.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the following satisfactorily; other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Skill-Building & Rehabilitation Services
- Provide restoration of community living skills — personal hygiene, meal preparation, budgeting, household management, use of transportation and community resources.
- Facilitate structured social, leisure, and recreational skill-building activities that strengthen interpersonal skills and community integration.
- Support prevocational services, including work-readiness activities, job-related social skills, and participation in program work units.
- Provide educational support activities that assist members in pursuing adult education, literacy, or training goals.
Peer Support & Member Engagement
- If serving in a peer capacity, use personal lived experience of recovery intentionally and appropriately to model recovery, instill hope, and support members in developing self-advocacy and wellness self-management skills.
- Assist with member engagement and re-engagement, including outreach to members whose attendance has lapsed.
- Transport or accompany members to community-based activities as assigned, following agency transportation policies.
Documentation & Compliance
- Implement assigned interventions as written in each member’s Person-Centered Plan and report progress, barriers, and changes in functioning to the Program Director.
- Complete service documentation (service notes, attendance records) accurately and within agency timeframes, meeting Medicaid, LME-MCO, and agency documentation standards.
- Uphold member rights and confidentiality (HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2) at all times.
Program Operations & Safety
- Help maintain the program’s required staffing ratio of at least one staff member on-site for every eight or fewer members in average daily attendance.
- Maintain a safe, welcoming, recovery-oriented program environment.
- Respond to emergencies and behavioral crises according to training and agency protocols; report incidents per agency and state requirements.
- Participate in scheduled supervision, team meetings, treatment team reviews, and required trainings.
Qualifications
Required
- High school diploma or GED (required for paraprofessional status under 10A NCAC 27G .0104).
- Knowledge, skills, and abilities appropriate to adults living with severe and persistent mental illness; competency verified at hire and maintained through an individualized supervision plan.
- Ability to work under the supervision and direction of the Program Director (QP), with supervision reviewed at least annually.
- Valid NC or SC driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
- Satisfactory criminal background check and healthcare personnel registry check.
Preferred
- North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist (NCCPSS) in good standing, with lived experience of recovery from a serious mental illness.
- One or more years of experience with adults with serious mental illness in a behavioral health, psychosocial rehabilitation, clubhouse, or peer support setting.
- Experience with electronic health record documentation (NetSmart a plus).
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills.
Growth Path
- Anuvia invests in career growth. Staff who earn a qualifying degree and accumulate supervised experience can advance to Associate Professional (AP) and Qualified Professional (QP) status — with education assistance available to help you get there.
Competencies
Adaptability
Nurturing
Unity
Vitality
Integrity
Accountability
Adaptability: Innovate and be creative
Nurturing: Demonstrate compassionate care
Unity: Support diversity and motivate one another
Vitality: Challenge the status quo
Integrity: Demand uncompromising ethical standards and inspire trust
Accountability: Take ownership of our decisions and take responsibility for their impact
Compassionate Engagement
- Builds trusting, respectful relationships with members
- Meets people where they are without judgment
- Models hope and recovery in daily interactions
- Maintains healthy boundaries
Effective Communication
- Communicates clearly with members, families, and the team
- Exhibits good listening and comprehension
- Documents services accurately and on time
Teamwork & Dependability
- Shows up reliably — the program ratio depends on it
- Supports coworkers and shares program responsibilities
- Responds constructively to supervision and feedback
Safety & Judgment
- Recognizes early signs of distress or crisis
- Follows crisis-response training and agency protocols
- Reports incidents and concerns promptly
Physical Demands
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), the following outlines the physical, mental, and environmental conditions of the essential duties of this position.
Physical
On the job, the employee must:
- Stand, walk, and sit for extended periods
- Participate in recreational and skill-building activities
- Bend, reach, kneel, push/pull
- Use fine finger movements
- Drive an agency or personal vehicle
Mental
On the job, the employee must be able to:
- Communicate orally
- Listen actively and with empathy
- Read and comprehend
- Apply general intelligence
- Remain calm and reason in crisis situations
- Write clear documentation
Environmental
On the job, the employee:
- Works in a licensed day program facility
- Works in community settings (stores, transit, parks, employers)
- May be exposed to noise typical of a group program setting
- May experience changes in temperature during community outings
- Works in shared space
Lift/carry loads: Light (up to 25 lbs.)
Why Join Anuvia? — Compensation & Benefits
We invest in the people who invest in our clients. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:
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Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage with low monthly premiums — no waiting period.
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Generous Time Off: Competitive PTO policies to support your work-life balance.
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Company-Provided Disability Insurance: Short- and long-term coverage included.
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401(k) — 7% Employer Contribution: Employer contributes 7% after your first year with immediate vesting.
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Continuous Learning & Development: Online training library, education assistance, and career advancement opportunities.
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Meaningful Work: Walk alongside people in recovery every day and see the difference you make in their lives.
The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.
Ready to Help People Rebuild Their Lives? Apply Today.
Monday – Friday, Day Hours • Anuvia Prevention & Recovery Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Individuals with lived experience of recovery are encouraged to apply.