EmPATH Peer Recovery Support Specialist

Company: Helen Ross McNabb Center
Location: Knoxville
Posted on: March 17, 2026

Job Description:

EmPATH Peer Recovery Support Specialist Help Others, Make a Difference, Save a Life. Do you want to make a difference in people's lives every day? Or help people navigate the tough spots in their life? And do it all while working where your hard work is appreciated? You have a lot of choices in where you work…make the decision to work where you are valued! Join the McNabb Center Team as the EmPATH Peer Recovery Support Specialist today! The EmPATH Peer Recovery Support Specialist Job Purpose/Summary - EmPATH will provide non-hospital facility-based services that render short-term treatment to facilitate access to services and stabilization to prevent ED and acute psychiatric hospitalization admissions. - EmPATH will provide these services to individuals who present to the program or are transferred from area EDs. - Initial admission will be on a voluntary status to adults (18 years and older) who are presenting with a mental illness and/or co-occurring disorders that are experiencing a behavioral health crisis. Summary of role of team: - The EmPATH Peer Support Specialist serves as a clinical member of the multi-disciplinary team, providing education, rehabilitation, and support for individuals. - The Peer Support Specialist position is intended to provide hope for clients by having a support person who is or has been a primary consumer of mental health or addiction services and is willing to share their experiences and story with mental illness, treatment, and recovery; to be a role model for clients who are currently in crisis. Typical Working Conditions/ Environment - Working conditions consist of a 16-lounger bed unit. - Hours of operation are 24/7. - The role of the Peer Support Specialist is to ensure coverage is provided 24/7 despite any weather conditions or holidays that arise. JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; and employee will also perform other reasonably related job responsibilities as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required. This organization reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the need arises. Moreover, management reserves the right to change job descriptions, job duties, or working schedules based on their duty to accommodate individuals with disabilities. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. 1. Daily Staff Duties - Participates in crisis planning. - Offers 1:1 counseling/ Recovery Coaching as requested by individuals or treatment team. - Responds to all flags, emails, and voicemails within 2 business days. - Completes Staff Daily Duties assigned by supervisor before the end of each shift. - Follow Daily Schedule to give clients an effective daily structure for optimum progress. 2. Complete all documentation in compliance with CARF and Center standards. - Completes group logs, progress notes, and other requested documentation as well as on time. 3. Functions as a member of a multi-disciplinary team. - Must be punctual and maintain good attendance record. - Must stay awake and alert on all shifts. - Maintaining a strong line of communication with all staff to effectively and safely provides assistance to the people we serve. - Demonstrates willingness to promote a harmonious work environment by maintaining a positive and professional working relationship with all staff members and supervisors. - Communicates and approaches conflict in a problem solving and professional manner with all staff members and supervisors. - Must maintain a valid driver's license and F-endorsement. COMPENSATION: - Starting salary for this position is approximately $17.40/hr based on relevant experience and education. Schedule: - Must have flexible schedule. - Possible overnight shifts, holiday work and overtime. - Regular attendance is an essential job function. - Must be punctual and maintain good attendance record. - Must stay awake and alert on all shifts. Travel: - Valid driver's license with F endorsement required. - Reliable vehicle required. - Picking up clients from community locations and hospitals in personal vehicle or company vehicle. Equipment/Technical Competency: - Computer experience is essential. - Ability to learn and utilize EMR and create documents within the program. QUALIFICATIONS - EmPATH Peer Recovery Support Specialist Experience: - Experience in working with special populations including individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, Co-occurring Disorders, and Dual Diagnosis is preferred. - Computer experience is helpful. - Experience working in a crisis setting/Recovery response center is preferred. - Regular attendance is an essential job function. - Must be able to tell your story and engage in recovery coaching with individuals as well as assisting clients in developing transition plans. Education / Knowledge: - Must have experience as behavioral health services consumer and/or lived recovery experience. - A bachelor's degree in a health-related field of counseling, psychology, social work, or three years' experience working with individuals with mental illness, special populations with co-occurring and dual diagnoses preferred. - Must have coursework and/or experience in the areas of cultural diversity, human development, etiology and treatment of mental illness, alcohol and drug abuse, physical and sexual abuse, suicide, and crisis intervention. Physical/Emotional/Social - Skills/Abilities: - Possible exposure to biological hazards. - Lifting up to 50 lbs. - Pushing/pulling up to 150 lbs. - Frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, and reaching. - Handle with Care, CPR & First Aid. - Mandatory to stay awake and alert during shift. Location: - Knox County, Tennessee Apply today to work where we care about you as an employee and where your hard work makes a difference! Helen Ross McNabb Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment. Helen Ross McNabb Center conducts background checks, driver's license record, degree verification, and drug screens at hire. Employment is contingent upon clean drug screen, background check, and driving record. Additionally, certain programs are subject to TB Screening and/or testing. Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. 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Keywords: Helen Ross McNabb Center, Cleveland , EmPATH Peer Recovery Support Specialist, Healthcare , Knoxville, Tennessee