Certified Peer Specialist (Bilingual Spanish/English)

About APM
Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha (APM) has been helping families achieve their greatest potential since 1970 by providing early childhood education, foster care & adoption, child welfare, mental & behavioral health, community and economic development, housing, and community school services to the North Philadelphia communities.

Salary: $20-22 per hour depending on experience
Department: Behavioral Health
Job Type: Full Time (5 days a week, 40 hours in total), Non-Exempt (pays overtime)
Work Schedule and Locations:

- 4301 Rising Sun Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19140 – Open Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–3:30 PM or 8:30 AM–5:00 PM and Saturday, 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

- 3265 N Front Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140 – Open Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–6:00 PM; Saturday, 7:30 AM–4:00 PM and Saturday, 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

JOB SUMMARY
The Peer Specialist is a recovery-oriented team member who draws on lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery to provide support, advocacy, and mentorship to individuals on their recovery journey. Working collaboratively with clinical and support staff, the Peer Specialist helps clients build self-advocacy skills, connect with resources, and achieve personal goals that promote independence, wellness, and community integration.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

- Provide one-on-one peer support, using personal recovery experiences to build trust, offer hope, and empower clients.

- Facilitate and co-lead peer support groups and recovery-focused activities.

- Assist clients in developing and following individualized recovery plans.

- Help clients access behavioral health, substance use, housing, employment, and other community resources.

- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to communicate client needs, strengths, and progress.

- Support clients with crisis planning, relapse prevention, and early intervention strategies.

- Promote self-advocacy, resilience, and informed decision-making.

- Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the electronic health record (EHR).

- Participate in team meetings, training, and professional development.

- Foster a welcoming, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive environment.

- Other duties as assigned

BENEFITS

- Independence Administrators Medical Insurance Plan or $100/month Reimbursement with Proof of Current Plan

- Livongo for Diabetes Prevention, Hypertension, and Weight Management (Only for Employees Who Elect Our Medical Insurance)

- Sword, A Virtual Physical Care Program for Back, Joint, and Muscle Pain (Only for Employees Who Elect Our Medical Insurance)

- WondrHealth for Weight Management (Only for Employees Who Elect Our Medical Insurance)

- Sun Life Financial Insurance Plans for Dental, Vision, Life and AD&D, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity

- Basic Life Insurance (100% Employer Funded)

- Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurances

- 403B Retirement Plan through Mutual of America

- Flexible Spending Accounts for Health, Childcare, Public Transportation, and Parking Expenses through The Harrison Group

- AllOne Health Employee Assistance Program at No Cost

- Employee Referral Program (You Can Earn Up to $600)

- 20 Days of Paid Time Off include Illness, Vacation, Appointments, and Emergencies

- 12 Days of Paid Holidays
Requirements

- Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) credential required.

- Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is required to effectively communicate with clients and families

- High school diploma or GED (post-secondary education preferred).

- Lived experience of recovery from mental health and/or substance use challenges and a willingness to share that experience to support others.

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport across diverse populations.

- Strong documentation, organizational, and time management skills.

- Ability to work collaboratively in a team setting while managing responsibilities independently.

- Knowledge of Philadelphia-area community resources.

- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.

- Local travel required.

- Commitment to confidentiality, ethical practice, and professional boundaries.

- Experience in behavioral health, substance use, or related human services.

- Familiarity with trauma-informed and recovery-oriented practices.