Employment Resources

Tips for Searching

Job Openings

Post an Opening

Job Searching Tips

Join Listservs

Listservs often post openings across the country and state. We recommend joining the following listservs to have access to the most current information about job openings:

  • SAMHSA (Substance Abuse Mental Health Administration)
  • NAMI (National Alliance for Mentally Ill)
  • MHA (Mental Health America)
  • INAPS (International Association of Peer Supporters)
  • IFFCMH (Iowa Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health)
 

Keep learning! While you are looking for a job, continue expanding by watching webinars, reading articles, and exploring current topics in our field. Here are some places you can visit to keep current:

Webinars:

Target Specific Agencies

Iowa Agency List

We have developed a list of agencies who typically employ FPSS and PSS. Another strategy is to frequently check these agencies’ websites to spot openings.

We would like to acknowledge and thank Todd Lange for his work  creating this list of agencies throughout Iowa.

 

Search Engines

PSS and FPSS jobs can sometimes be located through job sites. The following are some of the most commonly used job sites: 

Remember to vary the search terms to find jobs that may not be listed exactly as an FPSS or PSS job. For example, a person looking for an FPSS job may include the following terms in their search: family navigator, family peer specialist, family specialist, etc.

Network

Connect with current PSS/FPSS in Iowa.

Here are some strategies:

  • When you meet a peer specialist, exchange contact information and learn about their agency. 
  • Contact PSS/FPSS that are currently working for an agency. Request an informational interview to learn about how they landed their job. 
  • Follow our facebook page!
  • Join our database! We are developing a list of FPSS and PSS professionals across the state. If you volunteer to be on this list, your information (name, county, year that you went through the training) will be shared with agencies and other peer support specialists across the state. 

Employment Literacy

Increase your employment literacy! Employment Literacy is a free course from the DBSA Peer Leadership Center designed to give information and tools you need to find, apply, and work a a new job. It is free for members and membership is free.