Peer Support Specialist

The Kennedy Collective•Bridgeport, CT

20h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Peer Support Specialist provides person-centered employment support aligned with the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) evidence-based model. Using lived experience in mental health recovery, you will engage individuals in employment exploration, build hope and resilience, facilitate peer relationships, and support retention in competitive, integrated jobs. You are an active member of the employment team, working collaboratively with Employment Specialists and clinicians to remove barriers and ensure participants experience choice, dignity, and ongoing support throughout their employment journey.

Requirements

Lived experience with mental health challenges and recovery, with readiness to use that experience authentically, professionally, and ethically
High School Diploma or GED required; relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of formal education
Strong communication skills; ability to build rapport and maintain appropriate boundaries
Ability to work independently, manage time, and meet documentation expectations
Comfort providing community-based services and traveling locally
Valid driver’s license and reliable means of transportation for accessing community
Flexibility in schedule to meet peer needs
Advanced technological experience with computers and smartphones

Nice To Haves

Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) or Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) credential
Prior experience in supported employment, IPS programs, or community mental health services.
Direct experience using recovery and wellness frameworks (e.g., WRAP—Wellness Recovery Action Plans).
Familiarity with benefit planning, vocational rehabilitation, or disability employment work incentives.
Knowledge of local community resources and benefits systems (SSI/SSDI, Medicaid, etc.)
Post-secondary education in human services, behavioral health, workforce development

Responsibilities

Own engagement of program participants using lived experience to build trust, model recovery, and inspire hope that competitive employment is achievable.
Provide peer support and recovery coaching—individual and group—focused on employment readiness, job search encouragement, workplace integration, and retention.
Share personal employment and recovery stories strategically to normalize challenges, demonstrate problem-solving, and inspire participants to move toward competitive work.
Support job applications, resume assistance, and interview readiness.
Help participants gather identification and documentation for employment.
Facilitate peer groups, recovery conversations, and participant engagement activities to build community, reduce isolation, and reinforce employment motivation.
Provide individualized employment retention support in collaboration with the Employment Specialist: workplace check-ins, wellness monitoring, conflict navigation, and coaching.
Participate actively in team meetings, treatment planning, and caseload reviews.
Bring the participant perspective and ensure IPS principles are honored.
Maintain accurate, timely documentation of all participant contacts, activities, and outcomes in compliance with HIPAA and agency standards.
Build respectful, trusting relationships with participants and support person-directed goals