Peer Specialist

WASHINGTON COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES INC • Montpelier, VT

1d • $22 - $23 • Onsite

About The Position

The Peer Specialist at Sunrise Wellness Center uses personal lived experience with mental health and/or substance use challenges to connect with, encourage, and advocate for adults receiving services. The role supports individuals as they work toward personal goals, strengthen daily living skills, manage challenges, build independence and stability, and connect with their communities. Support is provided individually, in groups, at the center, in individuals’ homes, and in community settings.

The position also supports the daily operations of Sunrise Wellness Center, including food shelf and gardening activities, and helps maintain a welcoming, inclusive environment. The Peer Specialist documents services, collaborates with individuals and team members, participates in staff meetings and professional development, and contributes to coordinated, recovery-focused services. The role may involve crisis situations and requires appropriate responses, including contacting emergency services when necessary.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Certified Peer Specialist credential, or willingness to pursue and obtain certification.
• Personal lived experience with mental health challenges and/or substance use, and a commitment to using that experience ethically and constructively to support others in recovery.
• Valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record, with the ability to safely operate agency vehicles and transport multiple passengers.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, customer service, and organizational skills.
• Ability to multitask, maintain confidentiality, complete required documentation, and work collaboratively with individuals, staff, and community partners.
• Respect, empathy, and commitment to supporting people from diverse backgrounds and experiences, including people living with mental health conditions, substance use challenges, developmental or intellectual disabilities, and members of the LGBTQI+ community.
• Willingness to learn and apply effective crisis intervention, de-escalation, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and maintain reliable attendance.
• Ability to follow appropriate safety procedures and use personal protective equipment when needed.

Nice To Haves

• The employer encourages employees to pursue Certified Peer Specialist certification; no additional preferred qualifications are specified.

Responsibilities

• Provide peer support, encouragement, advocacy, and recovery-oriented guidance to individuals working toward personal goals, independence, and stability.
• Facilitate individual and group activities focused on daily living skills, emotional and physical wellness, community connections, workforce development, and access to resources and supportive relationships.
• Support daily operations of Sunrise Wellness Center, including assisting with the food shelf and gardening activities and maintaining a welcoming, inclusive environment.
• Provide support at the center, in individuals’ homes, and throughout the community.
• Operate agency vehicles and transport individuals when needed.
• Maintain accurate documentation and collaborate with individuals receiving services, team members, and community partners.
• Participate in staff meetings and professional development and contribute to coordinated, recovery-focused services.
• Respond appropriately to challenging behaviors or crisis situations, including contacting emergency services when necessary.
• Use required safety procedures and personal protective equipment when appropriate, and practice safe driving while considering environmental and weather conditions.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Retirement contribution matching
• Paid time off, including 12.5 flexible holidays and 12 days each of sick and vacation time accumulated in the first year of employment
• Professional development support

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED