Peer Recovery Specialist

We need hope-bringers and changemakers - because the work we all do matters. If you're passionate about making an impact with your time and being someone's light in the darkness, we want you on our team.

Come Join Us to Do Mission-Based, Meaningful Work

Who We Are

Gaudenzia is one of the largest nonprofit providers of treatment to people with substance use and co-occurring disorders in the nation. We operate in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Our caring, compassionate team is on a mission to save thousands of lives each year and bring hope to people devastated by substance use disorder. Together, we help individuals, families, and communities heal and thrive in the face of one of the most devastating public health crises of our time. As our organization grows and evolves to meet the needs of our clients and communities, we're seeking passionate, empathic individuals to help us make an impact. With your help, we can turn the tide on substance use disorder.

Who We're Looking For

A successful Peer Recovery Specialist enjoys working with people from diverse backgrounds and doesn't shy away from honest and caring - yet sometimes difficult - conversations. This position is for you if you're able to treat others with dignity, compassion, and respect, even in life's most challenging moments.

Your responsibilities in this role may include :

1. Provide hope and encouragement needed for the client in reaching his / her goal(s) for recovery

2. Reinforce the process the recovering person has learned for identifying weaknesses such as negative self-talk, while also assisting the recovering person with identifying his or her own strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences.

3. Assist the person in recovery in articulating of their personal recovery goals.

• 4. Assist the recovering person in the development of their aftercare (wellness recovery) plan; 5. Provide resources for the recovering person about community and natural supports and how to utilize these in the recovery process;
• 6. Promote empowerment skills through self-advocacy and stigma-busting tools;
• 7. Advocate for effective recovery based services;

8. Attend mandatory treatment team meetings to discuss the client's recovery process while in treatment including stabilization, behavior modification, MAT options, discharge and aftercare planning.

13. Assist the recovering person in building and reinforcing newly learned social skills in the community that will enhance his / her job acquisition and tenure.

15. Document in MyAvatar progress, his / her objectives, goals, and development of treatment plan.

16. Document plans and interventions collaboratively with recovering person.

Minimum Requirements

1. Education and training : GED or High School Diploma. Successful completion of Maryland Certification Board training for Certified Recovery Specialist is ideal for this role.

2. Experience at least 12 months of volunteer service or related employment.

3. No substitutions for education or training.

Our Operating Principles : We, as members of the Gaudenzia Team, are committed to these principles. They guide the way we perform Gaudenzia business, every day.

Gaudenzia's Mission : Gaudenzia's Mission is to promote long-term recovery by providing comprehensive treatment and support to people with substance use disorder, co-occuring mental health disorders, and related conditions, regardless of individual circumstances.

Gaudenzia is proud to be an employer of choice and a treatment provider of choice in the substance use and co-occurring disorders treatment field. We work hard to foster an inclusive, supportive environment where our employees and clients always feel safe and welcome.

Come work with us!

Our Agency is committed to the principles of equal employment. We believe in fostering a positive work environment in which every employee is treated with respect. Our staff hiring and recruitment practices are grounded in fairness, transparency, and merit. All employment decisions are based on job-related qualifications, relevant skills, experience, and alignment with our mission and values. We actively recruit from a broad range of educational and professional backgrounds to attract the most qualified candidates, ensuring equal opportunity for all applicants without preference or discrimination. Our process uses consistent and clear evaluation criteria to support objective decision-making. By emphasizing accountability, efficiency, and integrity throughout every stage-from job posting to onboarding-we build a workforce defined by excellence, professionalism, and commitment to our shared purpose. Gaudenzia is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy regarding all aspects of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, and other compensation, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.