Certified Peer Specialist (CPS)

Who is Gateway Foundation?

Gateway Foundation, Inc. is a national non-profit dedicated to helping individuals with substance use and mental health disorders. Established in 1968, Gateway provides essential tools and knowledge for recovery, positively impacting hundreds of thousands of lives. Operating through its Community Services, Corrections Divisions, and Corporate Headquarters, the organization is recognized for innovative, effective treatment approaches and maintaining high standards.

Why join us?

Consider joining our team, where your impact can be truly meaningful. Our organization focuses on delivering high quality clinical services as a recognized leader in evidence-based treatment proven to get results. By joining our team, you'll have the chance to provide essential services to underserved populations, all while working for an organization that values you and aims to be an employer of choice.  You can expect to be part of a vibrant culture that emphasizes teamwork and professional growth. When you join us, you'll discover personal and professional fulfillment by aligning your career with your values.

We are honored to offer behavioral healthcare services in Corrections

Perks of working in correctional healthcare:

• Opportunity to make a positive impact on a marginalized population
• Exposure to diverse patient demographics
• Focus on driving change, tracking progress, and improving care
• Development of skills in a unique healthcare setting

Gateway Foundation’s Kansas City Re-Entry Program supports justice-involved individuals as they transition from incarceration back into the community. Based in the Westport area, our team partners closely with Missouri Department of Corrections facilities across the state to provide education, peer support, and connection to Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and community resources prior to and following release.

Our work focuses on reducing barriers to recovery, improving continuity of care, and empowering individuals to build stable, healthy lives post-release. We serve adult men and women in minimum, medium, and maximum security facilities, offering trauma-informed, recovery-oriented support rooted in lived experience and respect.

If you’re passionate about recovery, second chances, and walking alongside others in meaningful change, we encourage you to apply.

Location: Kansas City Reentry Center - 4049 Pennsylvania Ave, Ste. 300 Kansas City, MO 64111

Work schedule: Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

The Certified Peer Specialist plays a vital role in supporting individuals during one of the most critical transitions in recovery—re-entry into the community. This position combines in-facility peer recovery groups, pre-release planning, and post-release follow-up to help clients navigate treatment, MAT options, housing, employment, and community supports.

As a CPS, you will use your lived experience, empathy, and recovery knowledge to build trust, model hope, and walk alongside clients as they take steps toward long-term stability. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who is self-motivated, relationship-driven, and passionate about making a direct impact in the justice-involved population.

Certified Peer Specialists are responsible for:

• Providing support to the criminal justice involved client both while in-custody and post release
• Serving as a professional role model by demonstrating effective coping strategies, healthy behaviors, and appropriate use of recovery-support skills within scope of the position.
• Conducting group sessions and assisting clients with goals for recovery
• Consulting with other treatment team members
• Providing resources to assist with recovery and transition
• Traveling throughout State to provide peer support services to clients in SUD treatment
• Other duties as assigned

Job Requirements:

• Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) as required by the Missouri Credentialing Board (MCB) or the ability to obtain within required period of time.
• Minimum High School Diploma or equivalent required
• Therapeutic Community experience desired
• Current driver’s license and good driving record
• Must be able to obtain Missouri Department of Corrections clearance

Physical Requirements:  

• Ability to walk or move about facilities for up to two hours at a time, to monitor and interact with clients.
• Ability to speak with others in order to exchange information and provide support.
• Ability to proofread and check documents and files for accuracy on a regular basis.
• Ability to respond to telephones and pages, and to hear and detect alarms and unusual noises.

Compensation (based on experience and credentials): 

• Range begins at $19.50 - $23.50 per hour
• Gateway Foundation conducts annual reviews including merit increases.

Benefits at Gateway Foundation:

Health and Wellness:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents
• Employee wellness program promoting health and fitness and offering cash-saving premiums
• Employee assistance programs focused on mental health

Financial Wellbeing:

• 403(b) Retirement Plan with 3% employer match 
• Short-term and Long-term Disability and Life and AD&D Insurance paid for by Gateway
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) 

Flexibility and Time Off:

• 18 paid time off days per year – accrual rates increase with years of service
• 9 paid company holidays
• Work-life-balance

Personal Development:

• Training & Development Programs
• Tuition Reimbursement - up to $5,250 per calendar year
• eLearning access to online courses that provide CEU’s and job-related training
• Clinical Supervision: Formal and informal guidance

Gateway Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here.