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 interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds
• Empathy, patience, and a non-judgmental attitude toward clients' experiences and challenges
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team and with external partners
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and accuracy, and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and comfort using electronic health record systems
• Ability to relate well to people and maintain professional boundaries
• Valid driver's license with insured, reliable transportation
• Ability to pass a background check and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check

Funding Information

This position is supported through grant funding and renewed annually, reflecting our shared commitment to stewarding resources that expand access to compassionate, peer-driven support in our community.

Physical & Working Conditions

• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25lbs regularly and up to 50lbs occasionally with assistance
• Ability to bend, squat, kneel, stretch, and climb
• Work performed in an office and residential shelter environments. Occasional exposure to wet or humid conditions, cleaning chemicals, dust, odors, waste, or other environmental factors

Employee Benefits & Perks

We believe in caring for our employees just as we care for those we serve. As a full-time employee, you'll receive benefits that support your health, well-being, and long-term stability, including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Hearing Insurance - Coverage available for the employee and eligible family members
• Employer-Sponsored Pension Plan - Helping you plan for the future while serving today
• Paid Time Off (PTO) - Supporting work-life balance and personal well-being
• Free Individual or Family Kroc Center Membership - Access fitness, aquatics, and wellness opportunities
• Mission-Driven Work - Be part of a purpose-centered organization where your work makes a meaningful difference every day
• Professional Growth & Development - Gain valuable experience in peer support, recovery-oriented services, and nonprofit social services, with access to training and certification opportunities
• Purpose & Impact - Use your lived experience to walk alongside individuals and families, offering hope, dignity, and practical support during some of life's most challenging moments

About The Salvation Army Emergency Shelter & Family Services

The Salvation Army is an international movement motivated by the love of God and dedicated to meeting human needs without discrimination. In Quincy, Illinois, we serve individuals and families experiencing crisis through compassionate, practical support that promotes stability and hope.

The Emergency Shelter provides immediate safety and structure for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, offering shelter, case management, and life-skills support to help residents move toward self-sufficiency. Through Family Services, we also support community members facing financial hardship, housing instability, and other challenges by providing general assistance, advocacy, referrals, and recovery-oriented support. Together, these programs work to meet immediate needs while supporting long-term healing and resilience.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're ready to use your lived experience to walk alongside others with compassion, dignity, and hope, we invite you to apply and be part of life-changing work through The Salvation Army Family Services team.