Peer Specialist

Job Description: A dynamic and growing mental health support organization, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), serving Duval, Clay, Baker, and Nassau Counties, is seeking an experienced Peer Specialist as a Full Time Employee in a non-clinical mental health setting.

The Peer Specialist will report to the Peer Supervisor and is responsible for providing non-clinical, evidenced-based support services and leadership at NAMI Jacksonville and throughout Northeast Florida. Tasks performed as a Peer Specialist are specific to offering direct support to individuals and families, while engaging in the behavioral health system to educate and refer individuals, families, and caregivers on their journey to mental wellbeing. This includes creating and overseeing a pathway designed to offer the proper support to individuals and families.

General Information:

Job Type: Full-time/Non-Exempt

Benefits: Generous paid time off, some hybrid work, paid parking, cell phone allowance, training and development opportunities, a 401K matching contribution, and an Individual Health Care Reimbursement Account for eligible employees, all in an inclusive and rewarding workplace and setting

Schedule: 40 hours per week; varied based on programs and community events; night and weekend hours required

License/Certification:

Required: Driver's License, Certified Recovery Peer Specialist Certification FL,

Preferred Certified as a Wellness Recovery Action Plan facilitator, Certified as a Connection Recovery Support Group facilitator or a Family Support Group facilitator

Work Location: Main office in Jacksonville; 40 E Adams Street, Suite LL05, Jacksonville, FL, Travel required

Responsibilities:

General

· Provide lead support and coordination for the individual and families

· Maintain regular contact with individuals and families receiving intensive support, to ensure the program is meeting the individuals’ and families’ needs

· Maintain regular contact and meetings to ensure information is shared in a timely manner to individuals and families

· Act as a liaison between any community partners and peers coordinating with individuals and families to ensure all necessary communication is maintained accurately

· Provide support, mentorship, offer resources, and system navigation

· Be a peer to a person with a mental health diagnosis who is in recovery and who can maintain healthy boundaries with peers

· Maintain confidentiality and HIPPA requirements

· Provide direct support to the Peer Supervisor and perform tasks assigned by the Peer Supervisor

· Attend additional professional development opportunities as recommended by the Peer Supervisor

· All other duties as assigned

Program Management

· Make initial contact with the individual and/or family to gather necessary information for program enrollment

· Participate in meetings with the school district, law enforcement, medical providers, etc. alongside the individuals and families as requested

· Meet with members individually as needed to encourage and review individualized goal plans

· Role model recovery, self-care, professionalism, and strengths-based approach

· Cultivate an environment of belonging and empowerment

· Promote acceptance and social learning through shared experiences

· Train and lead programs as needed (Ex. Wellness Recovery Action Plan, Connection Recovery Support Group, Family Support Group, P.E.E.R. (Purposely Enriching Educated Recovery), etc.),

· Invite and encourage individuals and families to attend offered NAMI support groups and classes

· Provide telephone follow up to individuals and families who have engaged with NAMI programs

· Communicate with team and the Youth and Family Program Managers regarding possible barriers and needs.

· Provide support for NAMI’s quality improvement and compliance to ensure the annual goals and objectives are implemented for continual quality improvement

· Facilitate support groups, classes and presentations as needed (Wellness Recovery Action Plan, NAMI Connections Recovery Support Group, Family Support Group, In Our Own Voice as examples)

· Abide by and agree to the Florida Certification Board’s Code of Ethical and Professional Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures for Certified Recovery Peer Specialists. Please see: http://flcertificationboard.org/ethics/

· Ensure NAMI standards and program requirements are met

Communication and Outreach

· Offer opportunities and linkage to community resources to continue to support their journey to mental wellbeing

· Provide referrals to peers for outside resources as needed

· Maintain current knowledge of information on resources

• Participate in health fair tabling events, where you will represent NAMI Jacksonville, provide information, and engage with the public to promote mental health awareness and our services

· Attend community partner meetings to learn about community resources, services, and share NAMI program information

· Increase program collaborations and partnerships through key stakeholders and constituencies

· Gather information about community needs in preparation of new proposed services

· Create, update, manage, and distribute outreach and publicity material

· Develop and manage communications to ensure program-related materials and other communications are prepared and disseminated effectively

· Assist social media manager with social media efforts and marketing of programs

· Maintain communication with collaborating program partners on a regular basis

· Contribute to the development of NAMI newsletters

· Other work as appropriate to promote and strengthen NAMI Jacksonville’s work and leadership role in the mental health and wellness community

Database Management

· Maintain accurate documentation and records, including documentation required for any individual member meetings as well as groups and events

· Review and record program evaluations and produce monthly data reports

· Gather and collect data from programs

· Implement record-keeping procedures to monitor data for grants and program management

· Track and record outcome data through pre-tests, post-tests and evaluations as required

· Maintain NAMI program database for clients, donors, grantors, and as required by NAMI’s systems

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

· Support a growing non-profit organization

· Excellent attention to detail and ability to self-manage completion of tasks

· Time management skills and ability to adapt to changing situations and manage multiple priorities

· Understanding of and sensitivity to the issues faced by individuals and families impacted by mental illness

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills to establish and maintain strong working relationships with culturally diverse volunteers and members, their families, and caregivers as well as a wide range of community agencies and organizations

· Self-motivation to problem solve and address issues

· Ability to manage large ongoing projects to produce desired outcomes

· Ability to maintain timely record keeping and report writing

· Represent NAMI professionally and courteously at community venues

· Computer literacy: ability to work with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Teams, Excel, PowerPoint and maintain Databases, and to organize shared files

· Willingness to travel throughout Northeast Florida, requiring use of a personal vehicle

· Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed

· Ability to walk, bend, sit, talk, hear, repetitive motion of wrist, hands and/or fingers, lifting 25 pounds, kneel, stoop, reach, push and pull

Required Education and Experience:

· High School Diploma/GED or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience

• Driver's License (Required); Certified Recovery Peer Specialist Certification FL (Required); Certified as a Wellness Recovery Action Plan facilitator (Preferred); Certified as a Connection Recovery Support Group facilitator or a Family Support Group Facilitator (Preferred)
• Experience working in program management, volunteer management, community networking and data reporting

· Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, maintaining Databases, and organizing shared files required; Knowledge of Microsoft Teams, Canva, Constant Contact preferred

· Experience and knowledge, personal or professional, about working with individuals and families affected by mental illness

DISCLAIMER: Job descriptions are not meant to be all-inclusive and the job itself is subject to change. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. Position description created & approved by the Chief Executive Officer on September 22, 2026.

Pay: $23.09 - $27.80 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Health savings account
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person