Peer Mentor

Wayside • Waltham, MA

1d

About The Position

Wayside Youth & Family Support Network is hiring creative and empathic Peer Support Specialists with personal lived experience in the behavioral health system. The organization describes a supportive, team-focused culture that values healthy work dynamics. This position is available full-time or part-time.

The Peer Mentor facilitates activity-based and support groups for young adults with mental health concerns and uses personal experience to provide hope, information, advocacy, and individual support. The role helps young adults manage mental health challenges and build skills in social functioning, symptom management, coping, and activities of daily living. It also contributes to system change through policy advocacy.

The position requires driving in the community, a valid driver's license, and access to a reliable vehicle. Training will be provided in motivational interviewing, courageous conversations, the Attachment, Regulation and Competency Model (ARC), trauma-informed practice, substance use intervention, and risk and safety assessment.

Requirements

• Lived experience managing one's own mental health, emotional health, and/or trauma resulting in significant life disruption.
• Willingness to share one's recovery story in the context of peer support.
• Valid driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle, as driving in the community is required.
• Talent for connecting with people.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to assess and manage risk.
• Flexibility, creative thinking, and ability to adapt.
• Strong boundaries.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate activity-based and support groups for young adults with mental health concerns.
• Use personal lived experience to provide hope, information, advocacy, and one-on-one support to young adults managing mental health challenges.
• Promote skill building in social functioning, symptom management, coping skills, and activities of daily living.
• Contribute to system change through policy advocacy.
• Drive in the community.

Benefits

• Sign-on bonus, with half paid after six months of employment and half after one year of employment; prorated for part-time employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed