Lead Peer Support Specialist - Iowa Peer Center

Who We Are

At Heartland Family Service, we believe that healing happens in community. We are committed to building a culture that is trauma-informed and that values and celebrates diversity and inclusion — because we know this leads to better outcomes and a more innovative, compassionate organization.

Trauma-Informed Care means we recognize the presence of trauma in people’s lives and in our own workforce. We work to create collaborative, supportive environments where everyone — staff and clients alike — can feel safe, respected, and empowered.

If you believe in our mission of creating healthy families and communities and thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment, we’d love to have you on our team.

About This Role

This position is held by a person who is in their own recovery from a serious mental illness and/or substance use disorder. Your lived experience isn’t just welcomed here, it’s the heart of what you bring to this work.

As a Lead Peer Support Specialist, you’ll walk alongside clients in their recovery journey, meeting them where they are literally and figuratively. You’ll carry an active caseload and deliver services out in the community, while also stepping into a leadership role: mentoring fellow peer staff, helping coordinate outreach, and supporting the day-to-day flow of the team.

This role is for someone who knows what it means to navigate systems, rebuild independence, and find their way — and who wants to help others do the same.

Compensation range: between $16.25 and $19.38 per hour (wage is determined upon years of experience)
Work Schedule: between 30 and 35 hours per week, Monday through Thursday, 8:30am to 5:00pm

Click to see benefits and company perks

Minimum Qualifications

• Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRS)
• Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP) training preferred
• Two years of paid or volunteer experience supporting individuals with serious and persistent mental illness
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record

What You’ll Do

Direct Peer Support

• Draw on your own lived experience to connect authentically with clients and provide support that truly meets them where they are.
• Engage clients as active partners in their own recovery, not just recipients of services.
• Provide one-on-one support in community settings, helping clients build symptom-management skills, develop independence, and move toward their personal goals.
• Help clients access and effectively use primary care, dental, and other health services, encouraging a whole-health approach to wellness.
• Organize and lead individual and group activities that support social connection, skill-building, and community belonging.
• Support clients in planning meaningful leisure time — evenings, weekends, and holidays included.
• Provide care coordination by connecting clients to community resources and additional supports.

Team Leadership and Coordination

• Mentor and coach fellow peer support staff, modeling effective, recovery-oriented service delivery.
• Help the Peer Center Coordinator maintain the team calendar, including scheduling peer staff one-on-ones and outreach activities.
• Actively participate in case consultations, bringing the peer perspective to the table as a strong, valued voice.
• Build and sustain positive relationships with community partners to expand where and how peer support is offered.
• Pitch in at the Peer Center as needed — we’re all in this together.

Professionalism and Self-Care

• Maintain a dynamic personal self-care plan and share it as a model for clients and peers.
• Complete documentation and billing accurately and on time.
• Foster a welcoming, trauma-informed atmosphere in all settings.
• Show up reliably, treating your schedule as a commitment to the people who count on you.
• Follow agency policies, procedures, and program requirements.
• Continue growing through training opportunities, both internal and external.
• Look for ways to connect the agency to the broader community — building relationships and goodwill wherever you go.
• Perform other program-related duties as assigned.

What You'll Bring

Adaptability

You roll with change, stay steady under pressure, and can juggle competing priorities without losing your composure or your warmth.

Organization & Time Management

You know how to prioritize your day so that the people who need you most get your best.

Communication

You listen — really listen — and you communicate clearly, honestly, and with care, both in conversation and in writing.

Relationship-Centered Service

You treat every person with dignity and respond to needs promptly and courteously.

Team Collaboration

You show up for your teammates, offer support when it’s needed, and keep the group’s goals in sight.

Sound Judgment

You make thoughtful decisions, know when to bring in support, and can work independently without needing constant direction.

Proactive & Resourceful

You anticipate needs before they become problems and bring creative thinking to the work.