Specialist

***$1,000 Sign-On Bonus and $100 Gas Card for Eligible New Hires.

Job Purpose:

The Peer Support Specialist builds connections with others who live with mental health conditions, substance use disorders, or traumatic histories. This position is designed to foster a safe and welcoming environment in the Northeast Recovery Learning Community by facilitating peer-run groups within assigned domains and preferably in the Metro North and/or North Shore areas.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Essential Job Functions:

• Facilitate weekly peer support groups that focus on mental health recovery and wellness
• Provide 1-1 peer support to members of the NERLC community, as needed
• Share personal recovery story with peers to help build trusting and mutual relationships

• Regularly contribute to the expansion of the NERLC information and referral database to include other resources relevant to recovery, resiliency, and wellness

• Assist in the expansion of the NERLC’s programming on recovery, resiliency and wellness

• Provide up-to-date information, including specific contact names, for any individual seeking services related to recovery, resiliency, or wellness

• Document all requests for information and the subsequent referrals made
• As needed, locate sources for new information, provider sites and individual contacts to better meet the needs of those requesting information from the NERLC

• Assists in the monthly collection and reporting of data

Interpersonal Communication:

• Excellent consumer satisfaction skills
• A positive attitude with all peers in recovery to achieve excellent consumer satisfaction outcomes
• Model integrity, personal and professional ethics and maintain confidential consumer and organizational data
• Maintain a positive working relationship with peers, co-workers, referral sources and others

Teamwork and Cooperation:

• Work as an effective team member in a collaborative manner
• Demonstrate effective communication and problem-solving skills, both verbally, written, and in electronic formats

Workplace Performance and Professional Development:

• Achieves positive consumer relationships and contributes to a positive public image of the overall organization
• Maintains a positive work setting
• Commitment to continuous improvement strategies and demonstration of the knowledge, skills and abilities related to this position
• Participates in continuing education, training, and staff development opportunities

Qualifications:

• Must be a peer with lived experience of mental health conditions, substance use disorders, or traumatic histories
• Previous experience facilitating peer groups preferred
• Must have completed, or be willing to complete group facilitation training within the first 12 months of employment
• Sensitivity to and understanding of all types of oppression, particularly the issues faced by those in recovery of mental health conditions, substance use disorders, or traumatic histories
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team
• Access to reliable transportation
• Bi-lingual/bi-cultural candidates are highly desirable
• Experience working with Criminal Justice sector preferred

Direct Reports:

• None

Review Policy:

Supervisor will complete performance appraisal with employee at the completion of a six-month probation period. Job duties and assignments will be reviewed at this time. Thereafter, performance appraisals will be completed and reviewed annually.

The Northeast Independent Living Program, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and encourages persons with disabilities, women, persons of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and veterans to apply for this position. NILP is an organization that advocates for an all-inclusive community free of communication, attitudinal, economic and architectural barriers for all people with disabilities. As part of this commitment, NILP will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process, offer processes, or at any point after the start of employment. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the HR Director at 978-687-4288 or [email protected]