Older Adult Peer Specialist

Northeast Independent Living Program Inc•Lawrence, MA

8d•$20 - $25•Hybrid

About The Position

The Older Adult Peer Specialist (OAPS) provides support and assistance to individuals aged 55+ in various community-based living arrangements. They support the development of self-determination, self-advocacy skills and other strategies that promote mental health recovery to people served by teaching and modeling these skills. They serve as a mentor to promote hope, resiliency and empowerment and are willing to share their own recovery story.

Requirements

Experience providing mental health peer support.
Must have experience conducting home visits, supportive phone calls, and facilitating peer groups.
Must be a peer with lived experience with mental health challenges/addiction recovery and/or a trauma survivor.
Sensitivity to and understanding of the issues faced by older adults who have been psychiatrically labeled.
Experience sharing one’s personal story of recovery and hope.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Ability to travel independently.
Maintain updated computer technology competencies i.e. Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, WILD and SAMS.
Work as an effective team member in a collaborative manner through strong individual contribution and commitment.
Demonstrate effective communication and problem-solving skills, both verbally, written, and in electronic formats.
Excellent consumer satisfaction skills with a commitment that all consumers seeking information will get the time and attention needed to satisfy their need for information.
A positive attitude with all consumers 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 consumers, co-workers, referral sources and others to achieve positive outcomes.

Nice To Haves

Completion of COAPS training preferred. Must be willing to obtain COAPS training within 12 months of hire.
Bi-lingual/bi-cultural candidates are highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Meet one-to-one (and sometimes in small groups) with older adults who have been referred for peer support services by their local Aging Service Access Point (ASAP).
Assist people in forming wellness goals which will enhance their health and wellbeing and provide ongoing support to help them reach those self-identified goals.
Orient individuals receiving peer support services to resources available in their local communities.
Complete documentation of services provided following established protocols.
Attend periodic staff meetings as required.
Maintain strict standards of confidentiality in accordance with Federal HIPPA laws.
Achieve positive consumer relationships and contribute to a positive public image of the overall organization.
Maintain a positive work setting through planning and effective use of benefit time.
Commitment to continuous improvement strategies and demonstration of the knowledge, skills and abilities related to this position.
Participate in continuing education, training, and staff development opportunities.