Join Our Mission: Your Meridian Career Starts Here!

Position Title: Peer Specialist
Location: Gainesville, FL
Salary: $16.32 | Hr. | Non-Exempt

Why Choose Meridian?

For over 50 years, Meridian Healthcare has been a trusted provider of compassionate care for individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges. With service centers across 13 counties in North Central Florida, we are committed to transforming lives and communities from the inside out.

We live by our core values: Hope, Empathy, Accountability, Resilience, and Teamwork (H.E.A.R.T.). If these resonate with you, we invite you to become part of our dedicated and mission-driven team.

About the Role

As the Peer Specialist, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the operational excellence and strategic direction of Meridian. You will:

• Provide practical real-world support in coping with life's day to day demands through teaching, modeling and coaching approaches to rehabilitation.
• Promote the value of self-help, peer support and personal empowerment to foster recovery.
• Support each consumer to "get a life" using natural occurring resources to replace the resources of the health system.
• Promote information about substance abuse.
• Maintain close relationships with Meridian Staff and others to best facilitate the participant's treatment.
• Complete electronic documentation in a timely manner.
• Comply with Meridian's policies and procedures.
• Meet required service hours on a weekly basis.
• Function as an advocate for consumers and model self-advocacy skills.
• Performs other duties as required to meet program and departmental goals and objectives.

What We’re Looking For

• The Peer Specialist is an individual that has received services for a diagnosed substance abuse condition AND who has successfully completed or is currently participating in recovery activities for a minimum of 2 years.
• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• This position is contingent upon obtaining your peer specialist certification within 13 months of employment.

What You’ll Love About Working at Meridian

• Vibrant Culture: Friendly, flexible, and engaging work environment with regular celebrations and wellness events.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous PTO for vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Multiple health insurance options, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability, and more.
• Wellness & Support: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), wellness incentives, and mental health resources.
• Retirement & Compensation: Competitive salary and a 403(b) retirement plan with up to 8% company match after 7 years.
• Growth Opportunities: Tuition reimbursement, career advancement pathways, and eligibility for public service loan forgiveness.
• Perks: Discounts on cell phone plans, travel reimbursement, LegalShield, pet insurance, and more.

Ready to Make an Impact?

Apply today and help us bring hope and healing to our communities.

Meridian is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.