Dual Diagnosis Peer Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the sphere of mental health care, the role of Dual Diagnosis Peer Specialists has become increasingly vital.

As the understanding of co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders continues to evolve, the demand for empathetic individuals who can guide, support, and empower individuals on their recovery journey grows stronger.

But what are the real expectations for a Dual Diagnosis Peer Specialist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the dynamics of dual diagnosis support,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Dual Diagnosis Peer Specialist job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive in without further ado.

Dual Diagnosis Peer Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

Dual Diagnosis Peer Specialists work with individuals who have co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.

They use their personal recovery experience and professional training to support, educate, and advocate for their clients.

The duties and responsibilities of a Dual Diagnosis Peer Specialist include:

• Providing peer support services to clients with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders
• Using personal recovery experience to foster a supportive and understanding relationship with clients
• Helping clients develop and implement individualized recovery plans
• Assisting clients in identifying and accessing resources and services that support their recovery, such as housing, employment, and medical care
• Participating in treatment team meetings to provide insight and input from a peer perspective
• Educating clients, families, and community members about dual diagnosis and the recovery process
• Advocating for clients’ rights and needs, both within the mental health system and in the wider community
• Documenting client progress and maintaining confidential client records
• Continually updating and improving knowledge and skills related to dual diagnosis and peer support through ongoing training and professional development

 

Dual Diagnosis Peer Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a compassionate and experienced Dual Diagnosis Peer Specialist to join our team.

In this role, you will use your personal recovery experience to support and mentor individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.

This includes helping them develop coping strategies, self-advocacy skills, and a strong recovery support system.

Our ideal candidate has a deep understanding of the recovery process, excellent communication skills, and a strong desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide peer support and mentorship to individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
• Assist individuals in setting and achieving recovery goals.
• Facilitate group and individual sessions on topics related to dual diagnosis recovery.
• Develop and maintain a supportive, hopeful, and positive relationship with clients.
• Assist clients in navigating the behavioral health system and accessing community resources.
• Utilize personal recovery experience to model and teach recovery principles and coping strategies.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to develop and implement individualized service plans.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of services provided.

 

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Must be a self-identified current or former user of mental health/substance use services.
• Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) certification required.
• Experience in dual diagnosis recovery strongly preferred.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and respect for client privacy.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Dual Diagnosis Peer Specialist
• Work Environment: This role involves both office-based work and travel to meet clients in their homes or in community settings.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Dual Diagnosis Program Coordinator or other designated supervisor.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $30,000 minimum to $45,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Dual Diagnosis Peer Specialist Do?

Dual Diagnosis Peer Specialists are healthcare professionals who primarily work with individuals diagnosed with both mental health disorders and substance abuse issues.

They provide support, encouragement, and guidance to individuals throughout their recovery process.

This includes sharing their personal experiences of recovery to inspire and give hope to those they serve.

Dual Diagnosis Peer Specialists facilitate individual and group therapy sessions, where they educate individuals about coping strategies, resilience, and self-care.

They may also help clients understand their diagnoses and treatment plans, promoting medication adherence and positive health behaviors.

They often coordinate with other healthcare professionals such as psychiatrists, therapists, and social workers to develop and implement personalized treatment plans for individuals.

Dual Diagnosis Peer Specialists also advocate for the rights and needs of the individuals they serve, often working to connect them with community resources, support services, and other forms of assistance.

Their role involves not only treating the client’s substance abuse and mental health disorders but also empowering them to take control of their lives and recovery.

In addition, they may help reduce the stigma associated with dual diagnosis by promoting understanding and acceptance in the community and amongst the client’s friends and family members.

 

Dual Diagnosis Peer Specialist Qualifications and Skills

A Dual Diagnosis Peer Specialist should have the skills and qualifications that are directly linked to their role, such as:

• First-hand experience with mental health and substance use recovery, offering a unique perspective and empathy
• A deep understanding of the recovery process, including the principles and practices of recovery, relapse prevention, and continuing care
• Excellent communication skills for effectively interacting with clients, their families, and the treatment team
• Ability to facilitate group discussions and provide individual support, offering guidance based on personal experience
• Knowledge of and respect for diverse cultures and populations, and the ability to work effectively with all
• Capability to maintain confidentiality and respect for clients’ rights and personal preferences
• Strong problem-solving skills to help clients overcome issues and obstacles they may encounter on their recovery journey
• Resilience and emotional strength to manage personal triggers while helping others through their recovery process

 

Dual Diagnosis Peer Specialist Experience Requirements

Entry-level Dual Diagnosis Peer Specialist candidates typically have 1 to 2 years of experience working in human services, mental health, or substance abuse recovery field.

This experience could come from volunteer roles, internships, or part-time positions.

Candidates with a personal history of recovery from mental health or substance abuse issues are also valued as they bring unique personal insight and empathy to the role.

Those with 3 to 5 years of experience in the mental health and substance abuse field may have further developed their counseling and peer support skills, and have a deep understanding of recovery and resiliency principles.

They may also have experience delivering educational sessions or workshops, and in using different types of intervention methods.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience often have substantial experience working with diverse groups and providing direct peer support services.

They may have experience in a leadership or supervisory capacity, demonstrating the ability to guide and motivate a team of peers.

They may also have a history of advocating for the rights and needs of individuals with dual diagnoses in various settings.

Additionally, these individuals may have accumulated experience in crisis intervention, group facilitation, and care coordination, which are all essential skills in this field.

The most senior roles may require experience in program development and the ability to collaborate with external stakeholders such as healthcare providers and community organizations.

 

Dual Diagnosis Peer Specialist Education and Training Requirements

Dual Diagnosis Peer Specialists, also known as Peer Support Specialists, usually require a high school diploma or equivalent, but higher education in psychology, social work, or a related field can be advantageous.

They must have personal experience with mental health or substance abuse recovery, as this role involves helping individuals who are dealing with similar issues.

Peer Specialists often need to complete a specific training program recognized by the state or national certifying bodies.

These programs offer education on peer support, recovery principles, ethics, and professionalism, and culminate in a certification.

Certification requirements differ from state to state, but generally, a set number of hours in both classroom training and supervised practical experience are needed.

Continuing education is often required to maintain certification.

These may include further training, workshops, or courses related to mental health, substance abuse, and peer support.

Understanding of mental health conditions, addiction, and recovery processes is crucial for this role.

Therefore, additional training or experience in counseling, psychology, or related fields can be beneficial.

Good communication skills, empathy, and a dedication to helping others are essential qualities for a Dual Diagnosis Peer Specialist.

 

Dual Diagnosis Peer Specialist Salary Expectations

A Dual Diagnosis Peer Specialist earns an average salary of $37,830 (USD) per year.

The actual income may fluctuate based on factors such as experience, certification, location, and the size and type of the employing organization.

 

Dual Diagnosis Peer Specialist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Dual Diagnosis Peer Specialist need?

Dual Diagnosis Peer Specialists should possess strong interpersonal skills to empathize with clients who are struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues.

They should be effective communicators, able to lend a listening ear and share their own experiences in a way that is supportive and encouraging.

They also need to be resilient and patient, as progress can often be slow and challenging.

 

Do Dual Diagnosis Peer Specialists need a degree?

While a degree might not be strictly necessary, many Dual Diagnosis Peer Specialists have qualifications in fields like social work, psychology, or counseling.

It’s also common for them to have certification as a peer support specialist.

Importantly, these individuals have often experienced and overcome their own issues with mental health and substance abuse, which enables them to provide unique, empathetic support to their clients.

 

What should you look for in a Dual Diagnosis Peer Specialist resume?

Firstly, check for any formal qualifications in social work, psychology, or a related field.

Certification as a peer support specialist is also desirable.

In addition to this formal education, look for evidence of personal experience with mental health and substance abuse recovery.

This is often a key part of what makes a Dual Diagnosis Peer Specialist effective.

 

What qualities make a good Dual Diagnosis Peer Specialist?

A good Dual Diagnosis Peer Specialist is empathetic and understanding, able to relate to the experiences of their clients without judgment.

They should be reliable, offering a stable source of support for individuals who may be going through a turbulent time.

They should be patient, as progress can often be slow, and have good communication skills to effectively share their own experiences and guide their clients towards recovery.

 

What does the job of a Dual Diagnosis Peer Specialist involve?

Dual Diagnosis Peer Specialists provide support to individuals who are dealing with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse issues.

They often work as part of a wider treatment team, offering a unique perspective based on their personal experiences.

Their role might involve leading group discussions, providing one-on-one support, and helping clients to develop coping strategies and recovery plans.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve pulled back the veil on what it truly means to be a Dual Diagnosis Peer Specialist.

But you know what?

It’s not just about providing support.

It’s about shaping a healthier future, one client at a time.

With our ready-to-use Dual Diagnosis Peer Specialist job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to take the next step.

But why draw the line there?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next course of action for crafting precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every conversation, every intervention is a part of the bigger picture.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

How to Become a Dual Diagnosis Peer Specialist (Complete Guide)

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