Peer Specialist - CBHC

Riverside Community Care•Norwood, MA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) is an integral member of the Adult Clinical Teams, providing strength-based, peer-to-peer education, coaching, modeling, guidance, and support to people served. The role draws on the specialist’s lived experience of mental health challenges to inspire hope and motivation in people experiencing similar concerns. Peer Specialists guide people through treatment by providing outreach, peer support, and advocacy in accordance with each person’s individual behavioral healthcare plan. Working with the interdisciplinary team, they use their recovery experience as a positive model for the individual’s recovery process. This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week position, predominantly in person, with opportunities for hybrid work. The schedule is Monday through Friday and includes one required in-person weekday evening shift until 8 p.m. Pay is $22.94 per hour without certification, $23.94 per hour with CPS certification, and $24.94 per hour with CARC certification.

Requirements

At least 3 years of lived experience with and recovery from mental health needs, substance use, and/or traumatic life concerns that caused challenges in one or more areas of life.
High school degree or GED.
One year of experience working with the target population in a CPS or closely similar role.
Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office.
Valid driver’s license and regular access to a reliable vehicle.
Must successfully complete Peer Specialist coursework and exam no later than one year from hire if not already certified.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Peer Specialist certification strongly preferred at hire.

Responsibilities

Provide strength-based, peer-to-peer education, coaching, modeling, guidance, and support.
Use lived recovery experience to inspire hope and motivation in people served.
Guide people through treatment by providing outreach, peer support, and advocacy in accordance with their behavioral healthcare plans.
Support people served in communicating effectively and in fostering communication with family, friends, natural supports, providers, and others.
Collaborate with the treatment team and external supports so the person’s vision and goals guide treatment decisions.
Focus on aspirational life goals, including education, employment, healthy relationships, and independence, and support people in building needed skills.
Promote self-care by modeling healthy habits and sharing and identifying helpful resources and strategies.
Participate in behavior management, limit setting, and crisis intervention as needed.

Benefits

Healthcare, dental, and vision insurance options.
Medical and dependent-care Flexible Spending Accounts.
Eleven paid holidays.
Separate accruals for vacation, personal, and sick time; vacation accrual increases with tenure.
Tax-deferred 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match.
Employee Assistance Plan and Travel Assistance Plan.
Employee bonus for referrals resulting in hiring.
Discounts to movie theaters, sporting, and entertainment events.
Employee YMCA discount: 10% off a monthly membership and 50% off the joiner’s fee.
Professional development opportunities.