Peer Support Specialist Resume Example & Writing Guide

Peer Support Specialist Resume Sample

Personal Summary:

Highly compassionate and skilled Peer Support Specialist with over 5 years of experience in providing emotional, social, and mental health support to individuals seeking recovery from substance abuse/addiction and mental health challenges. An excellent communicator with a strong focus on active listening, problem-solving, and goal-oriented approach to support individuals on their journey towards recovery and holistic wellness.

Professional Experience:

Peer Support Specialist | ABC Recovery Clinic
- Provided individual and group support for over 100 clients seeking recovery from substance abuse and mental health co-occurring disorders
- Assessed the needs of clients and developed individualized recovery plans in collaboration with the treatment team
- Facilitated support groups, workshops, and educational sessions on relapse prevention, coping skills, and healthy communication techniques
- Assisted clients in accessing community resources and services such as housing, employment, and healthcare
- Monitored and documented client progress, prepared reports, and maintained accurate records in accordance with HIPAA regulations
Peer Recovery Coach | XYZ Mental Health Center
- Provided emotional and social support for clients with mental health challenges and substance use disorders
- Advocated for clients in various settings such as court, housing, and employment
- Assisted clients in developing and implementing individualized wellness plans
- Collaborated with the treatment team to provide comprehensive care for clients and their families
- Performed administrative tasks such as scheduling, billing, and documentation

Education and Certifications:

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology | ABC University
Certified Peer Support Specialist | National Association of Peer Supporters
Certified Recovery Coach | International Association of Professional Recovery Coaches

Skills:

Active Listening and Effective Communication
Problem-Solving and Decision-Making
Support Group Facilitation and Education
Advocacy and Resource Coordination
Documentation and Record Keeping

References:

Available upon request

Expert Tip

Use a Professional Email Address

Your email address is often the first thing an employer sees. Make sure it's a professional one that includes your name. Avoid using outdated or non-professional email addresses.

Peer Support Specialist Resume Writing Guide

Introduction:

Peer Support Specialists are individuals who have battled through mental health or substance use disorders, and have gone through proper training to support those who are currently struggling with it.

Skills to include in a Peer Support Specialist Resume:

Excellent communication skills and ability to actively listen to patients
Strong empathy and the ability to relate to patients on a personal level
Experience with support groups and facilitating group conversations
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to provide alternative solutions to patients’ problems
Ability to remain calm and composed in challenging situations
Ability to manage time effectively and prioritize tasks accordingly
Experience in documentation and maintaining records of patient interactions

Steps to write a Peer Support Specialist Resume:

Choose a clear and professional format: Use a format that is easy to read and visually appealing. Keep the font size and style consistent throughout the resume.
Add a professional summary: A professional summary should be a concise statement that summarizes the candidate’s strengths, skills, and experience. It should be around 2-3 sentences.
Highlight relevant experience: List previous jobs and volunteer positions that are relevant to providing peer support. Be sure to include the employer name, job title, dates of employment, and job duties.
List relevant education and certifications: List any relevant degrees or certifications that may help demonstrate the candidate’s qualifications for the position. This can include mental health or substance use disorder certifications.
Showcase interpersonal skills: Include examples of how the candidate has demonstrated interpersonal skills in their previous positions, and how these skills can be applicable to peer support.
Include any additional relevant skills: This can include computer skills, typing speed, or fluency in more than one language.

When crafting a Peer Support Specialist resume, it is important to emphasize empathy, strong communication skills, and personal experience with mental health or substance use disorders. Highlighting relevant previous experience and certifications, as well as demonstrating strong interpersonal skills, will set them apart from other candidates.

Common Resume Writing Mistake

Ignoring Gaps in Employment

Unexplained employment gaps can raise red flags for employers. Be sure to explain these gaps in a cover letter or during the interview process.

Family Advocate
Youth Care Worker
Chaplain
Outreach Worker
Community Liaison
Outreach Coordinator
Community Service Officer
Pastor
Rabbi
Development Director