ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Peer Support Jobs in Portland, ME (NOW HIRING)

Northern Light Health

Peer Support Specialist

Portland, ME · On-site

$18.50 - $22.10/hr

The Peer Support - CIPSS is an individual who is receiving or has received services and supports related to the diagnosis of a mental illness/substance use disorder and is in recovery from that ...

Community Care ME

Youth Peer Support Specialist

Auburn, ME

$18.75 - $24.25/hr

The PSS provides peer support services in accordance with the Peer Connect curriculum across all settings preferred by the youth including agency offices, youth's homes, and community-based settings.

MaineHealth

Family Peer Support Partner

Portland, ME · On-site

$19.87 - $23.75/hr

The Family Peer Support Partner role works to build supportive relationships with families with child(ren) in BHHO, PIER or other programs. This role encourages families to move towards self-advocacy ...

MaineHealth

Family Peer Support Partner

Portland, ME · On-site

$19.87 - $23.75/hr

The Family Peer Support Partner role works to build supportive relationships with families with child(ren) in BHHO, PIER or other programs. This role encourages families to move towards self-advocacy ...

baymark

CCAR Certified Peer Support Specialist

Portland, ME · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

Attend meetings, training functions and other official Peer Support functions as required. * Safeguard confidential information. * Comply with Treatment center policies. * Comply with applicable ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPeer Support JobsPeer Support Jobs in Portland, ME

Peer Support information

See Portland, ME salary details

$11

$20

$29

How much do peer support jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for peer support in Portland, ME is $20.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.21 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a peer support specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Peer Support Specialist, you need lived experience with mental health or substance use recovery, strong interpersonal skills, and usually a peer support certification. Familiarity with electronic documentation systems and knowledge of community resources are commonly required. Empathy, active listening, and nonjudgmental communication set outstanding peer supporters apart. These skills foster trust and empowerment, enabling clients to engage in recovery and access vital support services.

How to get a job as a peer support specialist?

To become a peer support specialist, individuals typically need to have lived experience with mental health or substance use challenges and complete relevant training or certification programs. Many employers prefer candidates with strong communication skills, empathy, and a basic understanding of mental health services, often requiring a high school diploma or equivalent. Certification programs are available through various mental health organizations and can improve job prospects.

What is the difference between Peer Support vs Peer Support?

AspectPeer SupportPeer Support
CredentialsOften requires certification in peer support or mental health first aidSame as Peer Support
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, mental health clinics, hospitalsSame as Peer Support
Industry UsageHealthcare, mental health, social servicesSame as Peer Support
Search IntentComparing roles within peer support servicesSame as Peer Support

Since the comparison is between the same job title, Peer Support, the roles, credentials, and work environments are identical. The focus is on understanding how peer support workers assist individuals through shared experiences in various settings like healthcare and community services.

What are some common challenges faced by peer support specialists, and how can they effectively manage these challenges?

Peer support specialists often encounter challenges such as maintaining professional boundaries while building trust with clients, managing emotional stress from supporting individuals in crisis, and navigating complex healthcare or social service systems. To effectively manage these challenges, it's important to participate in regular supervision or debriefings, engage in ongoing training, and practice self-care to prevent burnout. Collaboration with clinical staff and open communication within the team also support a healthy work environment and ensure high-quality support for clients.

What is a peer support specialist?

Peer support specialists are individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges, substance use, or other life disruptions who are trained to support others facing similar situations. They use their personal experiences to provide empathy, encouragement, and practical assistance to help others in their recovery journeys. Peer support specialists often work in mental health settings, addiction recovery programs, hospitals, or community organizations. Their role is to offer hope and understanding, foster empowerment, and connect people to resources while promoting wellness and self-advocacy.

What are the duties of a peer support?

A peer support worker provides emotional support, guidance, and encouragement to individuals facing similar challenges, such as mental health or substance use issues. They listen actively, share their experiences, and help clients access resources or services, often working in community or healthcare settings. Strong communication skills and empathy are essential, and some roles may require relevant certifications or training.
What are the most commonly searched types of Peer Support jobs in Portland, ME? The most popular types of Peer Support jobs in Portland, ME are:
What are popular job titles related to Peer Support jobs in Portland, ME? For Peer Support jobs in Portland, ME, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Peer Support jobs in Portland, ME look for? The top searched job categories for Peer Support jobs in Portland, ME are:
What cities near Portland, ME are hiring for Peer Support jobs? Cities near Portland, ME with the most Peer Support job openings:
Peer Support jobs near you
Infographic showing various Peer Support job openings in Portland, ME as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,971 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Peer Support Specialist

Northern Light Health

Portland, ME • On-site

$18.50 - $22.10/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Northern Light Health rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 164 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

532nd of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

The compensation range listed reflects the range Northern Light Health anticipates relying on in setting the wages for the position. The range may not necessarily include all additional compensation elements available, such as differentials, incentive programs and benefits.
Northern Light Acadia Hospital
Department: Behav Hlth Case Mgmt Program
Position is located: Mercy Baxter Boulevard
Work Type: Full Time
Hours Per Week: 40.00
Work Schedule: Variable
Salary Range : $18.50 - $22.10
Exempt: No
Summary:
The Peer Support - CIPSS is an individual who is receiving or has received services and supports related to the diagnosis of a mental illness/substance use disorder and is in recovery from that illness, who is willing to self-identify this history. This role supports our Behavioral Health Home program, working collaboratively with people served in the program and with BHH Behavioral Health Coordinators and Nurse Care managers. Applicants will complete Certified Intentional Peer Support Specialist certifications within the first 9 months of employment.
Responsibilities:
  • Maintains Certified Intentional Peer Support Specialist Certification through compliance with state standards and requirements.
  • Understands, and adheres to clinical policies and yearly updates in Basics of Self Protection and Health Stream trainings.
  • Demonstrates the ability to engage others in supportive conversation and has excellent customer service skills.
  • Introduces self and shares history as a recipient of services to people entering treatment and seeks opportunities to contribute to the organization's welcoming culture.
  • Provides emotional support, advocacy support, practice and education pertaining to needs of clients on caseload.
  • Maintains visibility in the program and with clients in the programs.
  • Has a working knowledge of hospital treatment programs and locations.
  • Be committed to the mission, vision and values of Northern Light Health.
  • Has a working knowledge and understands how to access social services agencies in surrounding areas.
  • Arrives on time for scheduled activities and workday.
  • Communicates personal needs to supervisor for time off or schedule changes with reasonable advanced notice.
  • Wears appropriate attire and grooming.
  • Collaborates with other staff to achieve desired treatment outcomes.
  • Provides care relevant to the patient centered plan.
  • Ability to take direction from others; exhibit appropriate therapeutic affect and behavior; ask questions for clarification' requests feedback regarding performance with clients and peers.
  • Attends scheduled staff and supervisory meetings.
  • Plans and facilitates peer run group focusing on mental health and medical wellness.
  • Understands and can emotionally support clients through multiple systems to include educational, mental health and judicial.
  • Guarantees the confidentiality of all information accessed regarding client's care.
  • Maintains a professional manner when making professional contacts and inquiries.
  • Ensures that all work assigned is completed in an accurate, professional and timely manner.
  • Maintains required peer caseload as determined by program.
  • Utilizes supervision appropriately and proactively, including risk management issues.
  • Collaborates with members of multi-disciplinary team effectively. Ability to work flexibly with the entire team's caseload as indicated.
  • Documents all necessary clinical notes within a 24-hour period.
  • If applicable, maintains a clean driving record, notifies supervisor immediately of any problems with driver status and auto insurance coverage (Must Carry 100/300).
  • Documents within the medical record.
  • Collaborates with all BHH team members involved in the plan of care.
  • Presents cases in a concise, accurate manner - both verbally and in writing.
  • Effectively identifies client crisis situations and intervenes efficiently and effectively.
  • Closely tracks progress of caseload, continuously reprioritizes activities and intervenes at key points to assist patient towards goals.
  • Maintains and abides by ethical standards set forth by the facility and state licensure.
  • Has the ability to form mutual professional relationships with others and support them on their journey of recovery.
  • Supports clients and family utilizing appropriate referrals and resources including the Behavioral Health Home and primary care services. • Assist in making a work environment free from recognized hazards that create a risk or injury to employees, patients or visitors and that all accidents and incidents are reported by employees and properly investigated. When appropriate, assist with the return of all workers with work related injuries and illnesses to gainful employment.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Other Information:
  • Strong communication skills with exceptional skills in compassionate responses and the ability to instill hope.
  • Emotional regulation skills for self and supporting this in others due to our highly acute population.
  • Organization skills to manage busy schedule and medical record charting.
  • Applicants will complete Certified Intentional Peer Support Specialist certification within the first 9 months of employment.
  • This is a hybrid position that includes both telehealth and in person community-based working environments.

Competencies and Skills
  • Achieves Results: Sets high standards for their own outcomes and seizes opportunities to engage others towards objectives. Consistently moves forward with direct actions in order to attain or exceed objectives. Manages their own time effectively to accomplish assigned tasks. Successfully prioritizes multiple projects and duties as needed.
  • Demonstrates Adaptability: Learns quickly when facing a new problem or unfamiliar task; is flexible in their approach with changing priorities and ambiguity. Manages change effectively and does not give up during adversity. Capable of changing one's behavioral style and/or views in order to attain a goal. Absorbs new information readily and puts it into practice effectively.
  • Demonstrates Emotional Intelligence: Exhibits a high level of self-awareness, self-management, other awareness and relationship management. Conducts themselves in an empathic, appropriate way, with a sense of humor and stimulates a collaborative work environment. Is respectful of the attitudes, feelings, or circumstances of others and aware of the influence of their own behavior on them. Is aware of relevant social, political, system, and professional trends and developments and uses this information for the organization's benefit.
  • Develops Self and Others:Takes responsibility for engaging in professional self-development activities and programs. Strives to gain insight into their own values, strengths and weaknesses, interests and ambitions and takes action in order to enhance competencies and skills when possible. As a leader, encourages and guides employees towards growth opportunities to enhance performance and help them reach goals. Reviews and analyzes employees' strengths and weaknesses to distinguish their talents and development needs, and to ensure they are enhanced appropriately.
  • Effectively Communicates: Listens, speaks and writes appropriately, using clear language. Communication methods are fitting to the message(s), audience, and situation and follow-ups are regular and timely. Shows that important (non-) verbal information is absorbed and understood and asks further questions to clarify when necessary. Expresses ideas and views clearly to others and has ability to adjust use of language to the audiences' level.
  • Exercises Sound Judgment & Decision Making: Understands and processes complex information, which allows for appropriate and accountable conclusions. Does not react too quickly or slowly. Balances facts, goals, and potential approaches taking the appropriate criteria into account. Makes active decisions and commits oneself by communicating confidently and respectfully.
  • Influences and Inspires: Builds enthusiasm and commitment among others to move in a desired direction and models it personally. Creates a compelling vision of success that motivates workplace initiative and energizes others to follow. Provides direction and guidance to encourage cooperation between team members in order to attain an objective. Has the ability to appropriately influence others' actions and decisions with and without express authority.
  • Promotes Health and Safety: Promotes a healthy and safe environment for patients, employees and visitors. Advocates and models healthy physical and mental health behaviors even in challenging circumstances. Sets high quality standards and strives for continuous improvement and quality assurance by reporting and encouraging others to report near misses and safety issues.
  • Provides Patient-Centered Care: Demonstrates understanding of patient care quality and service as organizational priority. Proactively supports change to improve patient experience and results. Exhibits the ability and willingness to find out what the patient wants and needs and to act accordingly, taking the organizational and outside resources into account. Cooperates, collaborates, communicates, and integrates care within and between teams to ensure that care is continuous and reliable.
  • Resolves Conflict: Promptly acts to find alternatives/solutions when team members disagree. Addresses issues in a direct, honest, and appropriate manner. Handles conflicting interests diplomatically and helps to solve them. Transforms difficult situations into teachable moments using respect and accountability .
  • Serves Others: Strives to understand, meet and exceed the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers which may include the people and communities in our service areas. Develops and maintains relationships, alliances and coalitions within and outside the organization and leverages them in order to obtain information, support, and promote cooperation and collaboration.
  • Behaves with Integrity and Builds Trust: Acts consistently in line with the core values, commitments and rules of conduct. Leads by example and tells the truth. Does what they say they will, when and how they say they will, or communicates an alternate plan.
  • Cultivates Respect: Treats others fairly, embraces and values differences, and contributes to a culture of belonging, empowerment, and cooperation.
  • Fosters Accountability: Creates and participates in a work environment where people hold themselves and others accountable for processes, results and behaviors. Takes appropriate ownership not only of successes but also mistakes and works to correct them in a timely manner. Demonstrates understanding that we all work as a team and the quality and timeliness of work impacts everyone involved.
  • Practices Compassion: Exhibits genuine care for people and is available and ready to help; displays a deep awareness of and strong willingness to relieve the suffering of others.

Education
  • Required High School Diploma/General Educational Development (GED)

Working Conditions
  • Potential exposure to abusive and/or aggressive people.
  • Need to drive to perform responsible duties.
  • Work with computers, typing, reading or writing.

Northern Light Acadia Hospital is regional psychiatric hospital in Bangor, Maine, providing acute mental health care and telehealth psychiatry across the state. As the behavioral health member of Northern Light Health, Acadia Hospital offers specialized care through programs like Behavioral Home Health, integrated behavioral health in primary care settings, and a geriatric Mood and Memory clinic that participates in clinical trials for new Alzheimer's treatments. Northern Light Acadia Healthcare, a subsidiary of the hospital, delivers outpatient services including substance use disorder treatment and case management. Through these programs, we serve patients from every part of Maine.
We are a member of Northern Light Health, an integrated statewide health delivery system that is raising the bar with no-nonsense solutions that are leading the way to a healthier future for our state. Northern Light Health offers a broad range of services, including nine hospitals, primary care and specialty physician practices, long-term care, home health and hospice agencies, and emergency ground and air transport.
Bangor, Maine is a vibrant small city with easy access to Maine's spectacular coast, mountains, and lakes. Schools rank among New England's best with the flagship campus of the University of Maine located in the neighboring town of Orono. Bangor serves as the regional hub for medicine, the arts, and commerce. Bangor International Airport offers direct and one-stop service to most major destinations.
Questions? Contact Talent Acquisition:
phone: 207-973-7100
email: talentacquisition@northernlight.org
Bangor, Maine, Behavioral Health, Mental Health, Addiction, Adult and Ped

What Northern Light Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply