3 Peer Support Specialist Resume Examples

When applying for jobs in the mental health field, having a strong peer support specialist resume can make all the difference.

You draw from personal experiences to help others navigate their own recovery, which makes your document unique compared to more traditional healthcare roles.

This guide will show you exactly how to create a resume, highlight your skills, and showcase your experience to employers looking for compassionate and resilient team members.

Peer support specialist resume examples

• Mental peer support specialist resume
• Veterans peer support specialist resume
• Youth peer support specialist resume

Mental peer support specialist resume sample

Mental peer support specialist resume template

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Resume for mental peer support specialist | Plain text

Sarah Williams
San Francisco, CA | sarah.williams@email.com | (415) 555-1234

Summary

Compassionate Peer Support Specialist with experience assisting individuals in mental health recovery. Skilled in developing individualized recovery plans, leading support groups, and providing crisis intervention. Committed to empowering individuals to overcome challenges and lead fulfilling lives.

Skills

• Active Listening
• Crisis Intervention
• Recovery Plan Development
• Client Advocacy
• Conflict Resolution
• Empathy
• Stress Management
• Behavioral Health Support
• Case Management
• Self-care Strategies

Experience

Peer Support Specialist

San Francisco Mental Health Services | San Francisco, CA | March 2018 – Present

• Provide direct peer support to individuals diagnosed with mental health conditions, assisting clients in managing daily challenges and establishing personal recovery goals.
• Lead weekly support group meetings, fostering a safe and empathetic environment for participants to discuss their experiences and learn coping strategies.
• Work closely with clinical teams to create individualized treatment plans for clients, ensuring a holistic approach to their recovery journey.
• Offer crisis intervention services by providing immediate emotional support and helping clients navigate through acute mental health crises.

Peer Counselor

Bay Area Recovery Program | San Francisco, CA | June 2016 – February 2018

• Supported individuals dealing with mental health issues through one-on-one counseling, focusing on empowering them to take control of their recovery.
• Facilitated group discussions on topics like coping with anxiety, stress, and managing depression, while ensuring a non-judgmental and supportive environment.
• Collaborated with clinicians to monitor progress, adjusting support strategies to better meet individual needs.
• Helped clients access community resources, including housing, employment, and mental health services, to promote overall well-being.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
University of California, Berkeley, CA | Graduated May 2016

Certifications

• Mental Health First Aid | National Council for Behavioral Health | May 2020
• Peer Support Specialist Certification | California Peer Support Association | July 2017

Additional Information

• Volunteer at NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), supporting health awareness campaigns and leading peer support workshops.

General resume formatting tips

• Choose a professional font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
• Keep the resume length to one page, or two if you have extensive expertise.
• Set your document margins to 1 inch for a balanced look.
• For body text, use a font size between 10 and 12 points.
• Maintain a consistent line spacing, preferably 1.15 or 1.5.
• Save your file as a PDF to preserve its layout across all devices.
• Refrain from cluttering with too many graphics or unnecessary colors.

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Veterans peer support specialist resume example

Sample veterans peer support specialist resume

James Harris
Los Angeles, CA | james.harris@email.com | (323) 555-9876

Summary

Veterans Peer Support Specialist with experience providing support to military veterans transitioning to civilian life. Expertise in managing PTSD, addiction recovery, and facilitating reintegration programs. Dedicated to helping veterans overcome challenges through peer-driven support and advocacy.

Skills

• PTSD Management
• Substance Abuse Support
• Crisis Management
• Veteran Advocacy
• Emotional Support
• Reintegration Strategies
• Conflict Resolution
• Program Coordination
• Group Facilitation
• Life Skills Coaching
• Active Listening

Experience

Veterans Peer Support Specialist

Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Medical Center | Los Angeles, CA | January 2015 – Present

• Provide peer-driven support to veterans, helping them navigate mental health challenges, reintegrate into civilian life, and manage PTSD symptoms.
• Facilitate weekly group therapy sessions focusing on PTSD coping mechanisms, anger management, and substance abuse recovery.
• Work with VA doctors, therapists, and social workers to create tailored support plans that address each veteran’s unique needs.
• Offer one-on-one support during crisis situations, providing veterans with emotional support and resources for further treatment.

Peer Support Specialist

Veteran’s Village of San Diego | Los Angeles, CA | September 2012 – December 2014

• Provided counseling and guidance to veterans dealing with trauma and addiction, using lived experience to connect with clients.
• Coordinated educational workshops and skill-building programs to help veterans with their transition back to civilian life, focusing on employment, housing, and emotional resilience.
• Organized and facilitated weekly peer-led support groups, creating a safe and encouraging environment for veterans to share their experiences.
• Assisted veterans in accessing benefits, healthcare services, and local community resources to improve their overall well-being.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Social Work
University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | Graduated May 2012

Certifications

• PTSD and Trauma-Informed Care | Veterans Administration | March 2019
• Peer Support Specialist Certification | National Association of Peer Supporters | August 2016

Additional Information

• Active member of the American Legion, where I mentor other veterans and help organize community outreach events.

Should I go with resume objective or summary?

A summary on a resume is ideal for candidates with professional expertise.

• It is a concise paragraph (3–5 lines) that highlights your most significant qualifications and skills.

Peer support specialist resume summary sample:

Compassionate Peer Support Specialist with 4+ years in recovery settings, adept in crisis intervention, counseling, and support group facilitation. Strong communicator committed to empowering others through lived experience.

An objective on resume is better for individuals who are new to the field or making a career change.

• It expresses your goals and passion for the role rather than past accomplishments.

Peer support specialist resume objective example:

Motivated professional seeking a Peer Support Specialist role to leverage personal recovery experiences and dedication to mental health advocacy. Eager to provide clients with guidance and support through their healing journey.

Peer support specialist resume skills

The skills section plays a key role, providing a snapshot of your competencies and suitability for the job. It helps recruiters quickly assess what you bring to the table.

• Hard skills are tangible, measurable abilities such as certifications and technical know-how, gained through formal education or specific training.
• Soft skills are character qualities like empathy and active listening, which are typically developed through life experiences, volunteer work, or personal growth.

Youth peer support specialist resume template

Youth peer support specialist resume sample

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Resume for youth peer support specialist | Text version

Amanda Johnson
Seattle, WA | amanda.johnson@email.com | (206) 555-5647

Summary

Youth Peer Support Specialist with experience providing guidance and support to at-risk youth. Skilled in facilitating support groups, mentoring, and addressing issues like substance abuse, family conflict, and mental health. Passionate about empowering youth to build resilience and lead healthier lives.

Skills

• Youth Mentorship
• Substance Abuse Prevention
• Group Facilitation
• Conflict Resolution
• Crisis De-escalation
• Peer Counseling
• Family Dynamics Support
• Case Management
• Emotional Support
• Motivational Interviewing

Experience

Youth Peer Support Specialist

Seattle Youth Services | Seattle, WA | June 2019 – Present

• Offer peer mentorship and emotional support to adolescents struggling with substance abuse, mental health issues, and family challenges.
• Facilitate group discussions focused on personal growth, building self-esteem, and managing peer pressure.
• Work closely with counselors and social workers to develop individualized action plans for youth, providing guidance and helping them set personal goals.
• Conduct outreach to local schools, helping to identify at-risk youth and connecting them with resources such as counseling, housing assistance, and employment support.

Peer Mentor

Teen Health Services | Seattle, WA | March 2017 – May 2019

• Led peer support groups for high school students, focusing on topics like bullying, mental wellness, and academic success.
• Provided one-on-one mentoring to students, offering guidance on how to navigate social challenges and manage emotions.
• Helped students build stronger relationships with family members and peers by offering conflict resolution strategies.
• Collaborated with mental health professionals to ensure that students received the proper emotional and psychological support.

Education

Associate of Arts in Social Services
Seattle Central College, WA | Graduated June 2018

Certifications

• Youth Mental Health First Aid | National Council for Wellbeing | December 2020
• Peer Support Specialist Certification | Washington Peer Support Alliance | October 2018

Additional Information

• Volunteer as a mentor for at-risk youth at a local community center, providing guidance and resources to help them thrive academically and socially.

Academic credentials for peer support specialist resume

The education section in resume reflects your foundation in the field and helps build your credibility.

Structure of education resume section:

• Highest diploma.
• Degree or certificate name.
• Name of the institution and its location.
• Graduation year or expected date.
• Relevant coursework, especially if you lack professional experience.
• Any specialized certifications.

Experience in peer support specialist resume

• Organize your roles in reverse chronological order.
• For each entry, include the title, organization name, location, and employment dates.
• Use bullet points to describe your duties and accomplishments for clarity and impact.
• Start each bullet with a strong action verb, like “led,” “created,” or “supported”.
• Quantify your achievements when possible (e.g., “Managed a team of 10 peers in recovery”).

Conclusion

Creating a compelling peer support specialist resume is about more than just listing jobs and education. It's about sharing your journey, skills, and dedication to helping others.

By focusing on your lived experiences, professional training, and the value you bring to recovery-focused organizations, you can present yourself as a powerful asset to any team.

With a thoughtful, well-organized document, you'll be ready to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those you serve.

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