Peer Support Specialist

Walk Alongside. Inspire Hope. Change Lives.

At The Salvation Army Family Services in Quincy, Illinois , we believe that lived experience matters. We are seeking a Peer Support Specialist who is passionate about helping others navigate crisis, build resilience, and move toward stability. This is a high-impact, mission-driven role for someone who has experienced hardship and now desires to use that experience to support others with compassion, dignity, and hope.

 

If you are driven to make a meaningful difference, thrive in relationship-based work, and want to be part of a faith-rooted organization committed to serving the whole person - this may be your calling.

 

Why This Role Matters

The Peer Support Specialist plays a vital role within our Family Services team, walking alongside individuals and families seeking emergency shelter or general assistance, many of whom are experiencing mental health challenges, addiction, homelessness, housing instability, or domestic violence. 

 

Drawing on personal life experience, the Peer Support Specialist provides empathetic one-on-one support, practical guidance, advocacy, and connection to resources - helping clients feel seen, heard, and empowered as they move forward.

 

Position Details

Position Type: Full-time, non-exempt

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4:30pm; occasional evenings, weekends, and/or holidays as program needs require (including groups held outside business hours)

Pay Range: $18.23-$22.79 per hour; starting pay determined by relevant education and experience exceeding minimum qualifications

Travel: Occasional overnight travel may be required

 

What You'll Do

• Build trusting relationships and provide one-on-one peer support to clients experiencing mental health, addiction, housing, and/or domestic violence challenges.
• Offer emotional support, encouragement, and hope, fostering resilience, self-efficacy, and recovery.
• Assist clients with education, recovery support, and navigation of resources available through The Salvation Army and the Continuum of Care.
• Advocate for client needs during service delivery, crisis situations, service planning, and referrals to external providers.
• Facilitate individual and group education on recovery, self-advocacy, coping skills, and recognizing warning signs.
• Collaborate closely with shelter staff, case managers, social workers, and community partners.
• Advocate for clients in staff meetings, social services committees, and relevant community meetings.
• Support service delivery by directing clients to appropriate staff, programs, or case management.
• Assist with front desk and reception support, including engaging clients, answering phones, and supporting volunteers and interns.
• Provide educational and experiential learning activities for staff and volunteers that strengthen connection, teamwork, and engagement.
• Accompany clients and staff when transportation assistance is needed for appointments or housing-related services.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation of client interactions, referrals, and progress.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development to stay informed on best practices in peer support.
• Uphold professional standards, confidentiality, Safe from Harm guidelines, and all Family Services and Emergency Shelter policies.
• Positively represent The Salvation Army in the community and foster a respectful, supportive work environment.

What We're Looking For

• High school diploma or equivalent required; some college coursework in social work, psychology, or a related field preferred
• Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) or willingness to obtain certification within one year of hire
• One (1) year of experience working in the social services field preferred
• Lived experience related to poverty, homelessness, housing instability, and/or domestic violence preferred
• Strong inter