PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST

The Peer Support Specialist (PSS), under the supervision of the Peer Support Services
Manager, will provide valuable insight and coaching to recovery clients by sharing some of
his/her own recovery process. He/she is expected to help consumers avoid episodes of crisis
care; achieve/maintain recovery from substance use issues; meet basic sustenance needs; and
provide education, motivation and guidance on how to improve their overall quality of life. The
Peer Support Specialist will be hired to work specifically in one of more of the following counties:
Sumter, Kershaw, Calhoun, Orangeburg counties.

Essential Functions:
1. Represent Lutheran Services in the Carolinas in a professional manner.
2. Maintain active membership in a consumer advocacy or self-help group.
3. Attend agency staff meetings, Case Conferences and Individual and Group Supervision
as required.
4. Create and maintain a caseload of clients with substance use disorder. Monitor progress,
identify, and respond to client’s needs.
5. Conduct weekly pop-up events in their designated area; while distributing Narcan and
Fentanyl test strips to individuals in the community.
6. Provide support services and resources to individuals in the recovery process ie.
arranging medical appointments, therapy sessions, employment advocacy and referring
to support groups.
7. Advocate on behalf of clients with substance use/misuse disorder to protect their rights
and to assist in reducing associated stigma.
8. Work in cooperation with other providers, family members or significant others involved in
the client’s recovery plan.
9. Maintain all client records according to established guidelines.
 

Education: High School diploma or GED required.

Experience: Must be actively in recovery from substance misuse for at least 1 year. Experience
working directly with people in a service-oriented field preferred.

Specific skills/abilities: Must have initiative and be willing to work in a team and independently.
Must be knowledgeable of substance misuse recovery. Must possess awareness of the
importance of recovery in living with a mental illness or substance use disorder. Display
kindness, be compassionate, sensitive, have passion and understanding of recovery. Ability to
balance hybrid working environment (community setting and home office). Should have good
communication skills. Must be comfortable speaking and engaging in public settings. Have
ability to form lasting relationships with persons who may have difficulty trusting. Ability to cope
with stress (with support from Team members). Be committed to client rights and personal
preferences in treatment.

Specialized knowledge, licenses, etc: Peer Support Certified or willing to be certified to provide
individual, family, and/or group services as identified for peer support services. Must have a
valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. Must be 21 years of age.

Preferences (Optional): (Preferred attributes for the position, which are not absolutely required
in the minimum qualification - e.g. masters degree, bilingual). N/A

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements: (Reasonable accommodations may be made to
enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions).
1. Hybrid work model (community and home based).
2. Able to commute and perform most work in Sumter, Kershaw, Calhoun, Orangeburg
Counties. (Each hire will be for specific areas. PSS will not be required to work in all
counties.)
3. Required to attend in person monthly team meetings in Columbia, SC.

4. Exposure to individuals in community that may be homeless, in transitional housing or
independently living.
5. Ability to bend, stoop, lift and carry, reach overhead.
6. Ambulatory throughout all areas.