This is a full-time contract position grant funded through March 2027.

It is the responsibility of every ODVN employee and contractor to uphold the mission and purpose of this agency. The Ohio Domestic Violence Network advances the principle that all people have the right to an oppression and violence-free life; fosters change in our economic, social and political systems and brings leadership expertise and best practices to community programs.

In addition, it is expected that all staff will communicate ethically and engage in providing excellent customer service. It is also an expectation that on an individual level, all staff members will work to further their personal capacity to foster a work culture based on the vision, purpose, and values of our organization.

Position Summary

The Peer Support Specialist provides trauma-informed, person-centered support to individuals who have experienced trauma and are using or recovering from substance use. This role is grounded in lived experience and uses mutuality, empowerment, and respect to build trusting relationships with participants. The Peer Support Specialist helps survivors navigate complex systems—including behavioral health, substance use treatment, criminal justice, and domestic violence services—to promote recovery, healing, and stability.

Key Responsibilities

• Build authentic, supportive relationships with participants rooted in shared lived experience, trust, and respect.
• Offer emotional support, advocacy, and encouragement through a trauma-informed and harm reduction lens.
• Assist participants in identifying personal goals related to safety, recovery, housing, health, and wellness.
• Support participants in court proceedings, treatment programs, shelter intakes, and other appointments.
• Model hope, resilience, and self-determination in recovery and healing.
• Help participants access and coordinate services across multiple systems (e.g., courts, probation, domestic violence shelters, behavioral health providers, MAT programs, and housing services).
• Advocate for participants’ rights and needs within systems that may not be trauma- or recovery-informed.
• Support communication between participants and providers to ensure continuity of care and understanding.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized support plans.
• Provide information on harm reduction, trauma recovery, self-care, and available resources.
• Facilitate or co-facilitate peer support or skills groups focused on recovery, empowerment, and wellness.
• Conduct outreach to identify and engage individuals who may benefit from peer support services.

Documentation and Program Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential participant records in accordance with organizational and funding requirements.
• Participate in regular supervision, case consultations, and team meetings.
• Contribute to program evaluation and continuous quality improvement.

Qualifications

• Certification as a Peer Support Specialist in the State of Ohio
• Must reside in or be able to devote most weekly work hours traveling in Northeast Ohio, specifically in the following counties: Ashtabula, Lake, Geauga, and Portage.
• Preference will be given to candidates with personal experience with trauma, mental health, and substance use experiences.
• Experience navigating multiple systems such as treatment, criminal justice, and domestic violence services.
• Ability to engage with individuals from diverse cultural, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and advocacy skills.
• Commitment to harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and peer values (mutuality, shared power, empowerment).
• Experience working in community-based, multidisciplinary, or justice-involved settings.
• Knowledge of local recovery and trauma resources.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to travel to Columbus Ohio as needed for mandatory ODVN activities.
• Preference given to those with certification to provide services to adults and youth ages 14-18.

Compensation

Contract rate will range from $19-$21 an hour depending on experience.

To apply: Please submit a resume with a cover letter or equivalent, to cheryls@odvn.org with the subject line of “OneOhio Peer Support” by January 6, 2026. Please do not submit anything by mail. No telephone inquiries please.

The review of applications will begin immediately. Scheduling of initial interviews of first round candidates will begin the week of January 12, 2026, progressing until a qualified applicant is hired.