CERTIFIED RECOVERY PEER SPECIALIST PROGRAM DIRECTOR - LAKELAND, FL

Post Date:  Jul 24, 2025
Location: 

Lakeland, FL, US, 33801

Position Type:  Full Time
Requisition Number:  33435
Work Schedule:  Monday-Friday, 8AM-5PM EST

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, while embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion for every individual in every community. 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

 

Location: Day Reporting Center 3810 South Florida Avenue Suite 110 South Lakeland, FL 33813 US 

 

Certified Recovery Peer Specialist Program Directors are responsible for:

  • Developing and implementing program policies, procedures, and guidelines in alignment with state regulations and best practices.
  • Overseeing the overall program operations, including curriculum development, training delivery, and participant support.
  • Collaborating with correctional facility staff, community partners, and stakeholders to enhance program effectiveness.
  • Coordinating and scheduling training sessions for CRPS candidates. Ensuring the training materials are up-to-date, relevant, and evidence-based.
  • Monitoring participant progress and providing ongoing support during training.
  • Establishing partnerships with other correctional facilities, community organizations, and reentry programs. Participating in interagency meetings to enhance collaboration and share best practices.
  • Advocating for integration of peer support services within the correctional system.
  • Conducting regular program evaluations to assess training outcomes and identifing areas for improvement. Implementing quality improvement initiatives based on evaluations findings.
  • Maintaining accurate records and documentation related to program activities.
  • Supervising program staff, including trainers, facilitators, and administrative personnel. Providing guidance, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to enhance staff competencies.
  • Establishing and maintaining relationships with correctional staff, community organizations, agencies, and other stakeholders. Advocating for the program and promoting awareness of CRPS training within the correctional system.
  • Preparing regular reports on program activities, outcomes, and challenges. Ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and reporting requirements.

 

Job Requirements:

Education / experience / certifications / licensure must meet contractual requirements.

  • Bachelor’s Degree in a human services related field.
  • Three (3) to Five (5) years of experience working in substance use or mental health treatment programs.
  • Two (2) years supervisory experience.
  • Certification as a Certified Recovery Peer Specialist (CRPS) by the Florida Certification Board, Preferred.
  • Knowledge of working within correctional facilities or criminal justice settings.
  • Valid local driver’s license, insurance and good driving record.
  • Ability to pass a level 2 background check for the state of Florida.

 

Physical Requirements: (The following statements describe the physical abilities required to perform the essential job functions, although exceptions may be made to these requirements based on the principle of reasonable accommodation.)

  •  Ability to walk and move about the facilities for up to two hours at a time, to monitor and interact with peers.
  • Ability to record, proofread and check documents and files for accuracy, to prepare and analyze data and figures, transcribe, read.
  • Ability to communicate with others and speak to groups or individuals in order to gather and present information. 
  • Ability to use a keyboard and video display terminal to receive, retrieve, and/or audit information and data.
  • Ability to respond to telephones, and to hear and detect alarms and unusual noises.
  • Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely and remain alert to traffic conditions and to identify and comply with traffic signals and signs.

 

Compensation (based on experience and credentials)

  • Range begins at $90,000 (can be negotiated with experience)
  • 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.


Nearest Major Market: Lakeland