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Your past is not a weakness.
It’s your resume.
As a peer specialist, you'll use what you've learned from your mental health journey to show others that recovery is possible.
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Paid training & certification
Flexible hours, part-time or full-time
$500 sign-on bonus ($2,000 if already certified)
A supportive community that gets it
You know what it's like...
To feel alone. To struggle. To wish someone truly understood.
We believe people who have been through their own journey with mental health have something powerful to offer others who are still finding their way.
And that's why we want you on our team.
What does a Certified Peer Specialist do?
You'll support people as they navigate recovery from anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, and more
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Give everyday emotional support and feedback
Help them build connections in their community
Help them set goals and action plans for recovery
Help them search for jobs and practice for interviews
Teach them coping strategies and techniques
Support them through difficult days
Set achievable health goals (physical, emotional, mental)
Accompany them to medical appointments
Getting started is easy
New to peer support?
We cover your $1,000+ certification class, hotel, and orientation costs. Once you start, you'll receive a $500 sign-on bonus.
Already certified?
Skip the training and get started faster with a $2,000 sign-on bonus.
1
Get trained
We cover your certification class, hotel, and orientation. Already certified? Skip to step 2.
2
Build your schedule
Choose part-time or full-time hours. Work a schedule that fits your life.
3
Help others
Use your lived experience to support people navigating their own recovery.
4
Grow from here
Want to advance? Many of our managers started right where you are.
Ready to see if this is right for you?
Take the first step toward turning your experience into meaningful work.
"For a long time, I thought my past was something I needed to keep to myself. At Peerstar, it's actually why I'm good at what I do. When someone I'm working with realizes I've been where they are, that I get it because I lived it, you can see something shift. That moment is why I do this work."
K.R.
Certified Peer Specialist
If this sounds like you...
Then you might be exactly who we're looking for
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You're good with people
Whether you work at a front desk, help customers, or care for others, people feel at ease around you.
You can be a positive role model
Your past doesn’t run your present. You’re in a strong, stable place, and you can use what you’ve learned to help someone else.
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You like getting out
Sitting at a desk all day isn't for you. You'd rather be out meeting people in their homes and neighborhoods.
You think on your feet
Not everything goes according to plan. You're good at rolling with it and finding creative solutions.
You're patient & kind
You know that getting better takes time. You can be there for people without judging them.
You've been through hard times
Whether it was stress, anxiety, trauma, or grief, you've faced real challenges and worked hard to get through them.
Frequently asked questions
What does a typical day look like?
No two days are the same. You might support someone in searching for housing, practice for a job interview together, or advocating for them at a doctor's appointment. You could be locating resources like food banks, furniture donations, or assistance programs for utility bills. Maybe it's connecting them with a church or spiritual community that fits. Sometimes it's as simple as sitting on their porch, talking over coffee. The work is flexible, personal, and grounded in real connection.
Is this part-time or full-time?
We offer both, depending on what works for your schedule. Part-time means maintaining at least 20 billable hours per week; full-time means maintaining 30 billable hours per week. All CPS positions are paid hourly, and pay varies by region and setting.
How much driving is there?
It depends on where you work. You'll travel around your area to meet people where they're most comfortable. For any trip over 10 miles, we compensate for the additional mileage. Some visits can also happen via telehealth.
Is this job emotionally hard?
It can be. You'll work with people going through real challenges. But you'll also have support, training, and boundaries to help you take care of yourself too.
Do I need to be certified already?
No! We cover the cost of your certification class and hotel. Once you complete training and start working, you'll receive a $500 sign-on bonus.
What counts as "lived experience"?
Lots of things count! Dealing with stress, anxiety, trauma, grief, or mental health challenges. The important thing is that you have reached a place in your journey where you can positively support others in a similar situation.
Is this like being a therapist?
No. Peer specialists aren't therapists or social workers, and they don't do clinical duties. You'll support people on their mental health recovery journeys by using your own experience to provide support from an equal level.
What benefits do I get?
It depends on your hours. If you maintain 30 billable hours a week, you're considered full-time and eligible for health insurance, 401k, and a higher PTO rate. Part-time staff receive a lower PTO rate. Both full-time and part-time staff receive mileage reimbursement.
Will I work alone or with a team?
You'll work with people one-on-one, but you're never totally on your own. You'll have a supervisor, regular check-ins, and a team of other Peer Specialists to lean on.
What if I've never worked in mental health before?
That's totally fine! Many of our best people came from jobs like retail, restaurants, childcare, or office work. If you're kind, reliable, and eager to learn, we'll teach you the rest.
What if I'm already certified?
Even better! If you're already a Certified Peer Specialist, you can skip the training and get started faster. You'll receive a $2,000 sign-on bonus instead.
Do I need a car?
Yes, or reliable access to public transit. You'll be traveling to meet people in their homes and communities, so you need a way to get around your area.
Ready to do work
that changes lives?
Join Pennsylvania's most trusted peer support team. Fill in your details below, and we'll reach out to chat more about the job and discuss the next steps.
Questions? Email us at careers@peerstarllc.com