Certified Peer Specialist

Behavioral Health Network•Springfield, MA

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

Behavioral Health Network (BHN) is a leading statewide provider of behavioral health services and a Certified Great Place to Work. Since 1938, BHN has helped individuals, families, and communities thrive through compassionate, high-quality care. We are seeking a Certified Peer Specialist to support individuals receiving behavioral health services in their recovery journeys. Reporting to the Certified Peer Specialist Supervisor, this role provides peer-based support, advocacy, education, and guidance to help individuals build self-determined lives and navigate mental health services and community resources. Certified Peer Specialists may work within the Community Peer Program, Adult Mobile Crisis Team, or The Living Room.

Requirements

Lived experience of a psychiatric diagnosis, extreme emotional states, and/or trauma (Required)
High School Diploma or GED (Required)
Peer Specialist Certification required, or the ability to obtain certification within 1 year of hire. (Required)
One year of recovery experience (Required)
Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation (Required)
Bilingual and bicultural proficiency in English and Spanish required
Ability to act as an advocate and empower individuals to take leadership in their own recovery.
Ability and willingness to share personal recovery experiences in an effective and professional manner.
Strong communication, listening, interpersonal, facilitation, and conflict resolution skills.
Demonstrated cultural competence and ability to work respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Proficiency with technology and agency communication systems, along with strong organization, teamwork, and reliability.

Nice To Haves

American Sign Language proficiency preferred.

Responsibilities

Support individuals’ progress toward mental health recovery and self-determined lives by sharing experiential knowledge and real-life examples of recovery.
Model personal responsibility, self-advocacy, and hopefulness through appropriate sharing of personal recovery experiences and strategies.
Inspire hope and encourage individuals as they navigate their recovery journeys.
Provide self-help education and connect individuals to recovery tools, peer supports, and community resources.
Assist individuals in identifying goals, hopes, and aspirations and developing pathways toward achieving them.
Offer supportive listening and emotional support to individuals experiencing behavioral health challenges or distress.
Share information about community resources, including peer-run organizations, housing supports, benefits resources, and community events.
Maintain current knowledge of recovery-oriented practices, peer support services, and community resources through ongoing learning and professional development.
Complete responsibilities with professionalism, cultural responsiveness, teamwork, communication, and effective use of agency technology.