Peer Support Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY:

The peer support specialist provides peer support services to formerly or currently homeless adults who identify as having a medical, behavioral health or Substance Use Disorder diagnosis and need assistance with stabilizing in housing. These services will be provided primarily through Peer Support Groups, with some individual work included. The services provided are recovery focused, strength based, inclusive, progressive and safe, and are provided in the context of mutuality and reciprocity.

Position : Peer Support Specialist

Department : Elders Living at Home

Schedule : Part Time

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:

• Collaborates with LWAH staff and community partners to conduct outreach to individuals in need of Peer Support Services.

• Organizes Peer Support Group meetings, including sending reminders to participants, preparing materials, securing meeting sites, and handling related administrative tasks.

• Facilitates 4–6 Peer Support Groups per week at Boston Medical Center, via Zoom, and at community-based sites.

• Researches and facilitates appropriate community-based activities to strengthen participant connections and support recovery, skill-building, and engagement.

• Provides additional 1:1 Peer Support to individuals outside of group meetings as needed.

• Maintains necessary program documentation.

• Participates in all required LWAH and BMC trainings and meetings.

• Maintains connections with the Peer Support Group network through the Department of Mental Health and Recovery Learning Centers.

• Maintains HIPAA standards of confidentiality.

• Upholds professional standards at all times.

(The above statements in this job description are intended to depict the general nature and level of work assigned to the employee(s) in this job. The above is not intended to represent an exhaustive list of accountable duties and responsibilities required)

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or GED

• Past or present consumer of behavioral health or substance use disorder services with a history of managing one’s own illness

• 2 years working directly with individuals in a service-oriented field

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Active membership in a consumer advocacy or self-help group and experience conducting assertive outreach and relationship building with historically marginalized populations beneficial

• Experience using an electronic health record preferred

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:

• Certification as a Certified Peer Specialist by the MA Department of Mental Health required, or obtained within 6 months of hire

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES (KSAs) (If none, please enter “N/A”):

• Ability to work with diverse populations including individuals with disabilities

• Understanding of services available to individuals with complex health and social needs, including health and entitlement benefits systems

• Proficient oral and written English communication skills.

• Bi-lingual and/or bi-cultural candidates preferred

• Intermediate Microsoft Office suite experience (i.e. MS Word, Excel, Access, Outlook)

Compensation Range:

This range offers an estimate based on the minimum job qualifications. However, our approach to determining base pay is comprehensive, and a broad range of factors is considered when making an offer. This includes education, experience, skills, and certifications/licensures as they directly relate to position requirements; as well as business/organizational needs, internal equity, and market-competitiveness. In addition, BMCHS offers generous total compensation that includes, but is not limited to, benefits (medical, dental, vision, pharmacy), discretionary annual bonuses and merit increases, Flexible Spending Accounts, 403(b) savings matches, paid time off, career advancement opportunities, and resources to support employee and family well-being.

NOTE : This range is based on Boston-area data, and is subject to modification based on geographic location.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans

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