Job Description:
Job Title: Peer Specialist
Location: Columbia, MO
Employment Type: Full Time
Shift: Monday - Friday
Job Summary:
Are you someone with lived experience navigating mental health or substance use recovery? Do you want to use your journey to help others build their path to wellness? Join our team as a Peer Specialist!
As a Peer Specialist, you will play a critical role in helping individuals develop essential recovery skills, build supportive networks, and navigate available resources. Through shared experience and strong relationships, you’ll support and empower individuals on their recovery journey toward long-term wellness and independence.
Position Perks & Benefits:
29 Days of PTO
Employee benefits package - health, dental, vision, retirement, life, & more**
Competitive 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan – up to 5% match for Part-Time and Full-Time employees
Company-paid basic life insurance
Emergency Medical Leave Program
Flexible Spending Accounts – healthcare and dependent child-care
Health & Wellness Program
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Employee Discount Program
Mileage Reimbursement
Key Responsibilities:
Collaborate with individuals to develop and implement personalized treatment plans
Provide mentorship, advocacy, and recovery coaching to support client goals
Maintain communication with referral sources, guardians, and clinical teams
Assist clients in identifying and connecting with community-based recovery resources
Provide transportation and accompany individuals to treatment-related appointments
Facilitate group education and peer support sessions
Offer emotional and informational support to help individuals build recovery skills
Encourage a healthy, independent lifestyle focused on long-term sobriety and resilience
Maintain accurate documentation per state, program, and CARF standards
Attend meetings and trainings to maintain required certification hours
Uphold confidentiality, professionalism, and ethical standards
Promote hope and connection by modeling personal recovery experience
Education and/or Experience Qualifications:
Must be a current or former recipient of mental health and/or substance use treatment services, or in active recovery
High school diploma or equivalent required
One (1) year of direct experience as a mental health service recipient or recovery support participant
Must be willing to complete a state-approved Peer Specialist training program within six months of hire
Participation in a 12-step or similar recovery program preferred
Required License/Certification (one of the following):
Certification as a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS), Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS), or Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) preferred
Valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and current auto insurance required (due to client transport)
Additional Qualifications:
Knowledge of community mental health and substance use resources
Ability to maintain personal recovery while modeling stability and positive choices
Strong interpersonal and written communication skills
Ability to follow clinical protocols, document accurately, and maintain boundaries
General computer proficiency
State-Specific Requirements:
Missouri:
High school diploma or GED required
Two (2) years of responsible employment history
Completion of 5-Day Basic Training Program and passage of Missouri CPS exam within six months of employment required
Supervisory Requirements:
None
Brightli is on a Mission:
A mission to improve client care, reduce the financial burden of community mental health centers by sharing resources, a mission to have a larger voice in advocacy to increase access to mental health and substance user care in our communities, and a mission to evolve the behavioral health industry to better meet the needs of our clients.
As a behavioral and community mental health provider, we prioritize fostering a culture of belonging and connection within our workforce. We encourage applications from individuals with varied backgrounds and experiences, as we believe that a rich tapestry of perspectives strengthens our mission. If you are passionate about empowering local communities and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, we invite you to join our mission-driven organization dedicated to cultivating an authentic workplace.


Position Perks & Benefits:
Paid time off: full-time employees receive an attractive time off package to balance your work and personal life
Employee benefits package: full-time employees receive health, dental, vision, retirement, life, & more
Top-notch training: initial, ongoing, comprehensive, and supportive
Career mobility: advancement opportunities/promoting from within
Welcoming, warm, supportive: a work culture & environment that promotes your well-being, values you as human being, and encourages your health and happiness.


Brightli is on a Mission:
A mission to improve client care, reduce the financial burden of community mental health centers by sharing resources, a mission to have a larger voice in advocacy to increase access to mental health and substance user care in our communities, and a mission to evolve the behavioral health industry to better meet the needs of our clients.
As a behavioral and community mental health provider, we prioritize fostering a culture of belonging and connection within our workforce. We encourage applications from individuals with varied backgrounds and experiences, as we believe that a rich tapestry of perspectives strengthens our mission. If you are passionate about empowering local communities and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, we invite you to join our mission-driven organization dedicated to cultivating an authentic workplace.
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
Burrell Behavioral Health is a Smoke and Tobacco Free Workplace.