Suicide Prevention Grant Program - Peer Support Specialist

Veterans • Worcester, MA

20h

About The Position

With the belief that they were there when we needed them, so we must be there now that they need us , Veterans Inc., the largest provider of supportive services to Veterans and their families in New England, is seeking to fill the Suicide Prevention Grant Program (SPGP) Peer Support Specialist position and become a valued member of Veterans Inc. team! Under the supervision of the SPGP Program Manager, the Peer Support Specialist (PSS) will provide community-based interventions for Veterans enrolled in suicide prevention programming. The PSS converts Case Manager referrals into actionable social integration plans, focusing on increasing perceived and actual social support. Operating with significant autonomy, the PSS engages Veterans in non-clinical environments to foster trust and encourage participation in community-based activities. Success is measured by the Veteran's ability to build sustainable social connections and reduce risk factors associated with isolation.

Requirements

• A minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in a related field is required. Documented military experience may be considered in lieu of educational requirements.
• Experience in peer support, outreach, case management support, or veteran services preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to engage diverse populations and work in community settings.
• Outstanding communication and strong interpersonal skills, including techniques for positive motivation, handling difficult people, and teamwork.
• Knowledge of the assigned community and available resources to persons needing services.
• Strong organizational and computer skills, including Microsoft Office.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required, and the ability to travel frequently within the service area.
• Must be able to successfully pass a CORI/Background records check.
• Compliance with Veterans Inc. COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. Religious and Medical Exemptions are considered.

Responsibilities

• Work in tandem with Case Managers to implement individualized service plans and reinforce social support goals through direct peer-to-peer engagement.
• Cultivate rapport with program participants to encourage engagement in activities that promote a sense of socialization, purpose, and involvement.
• Maintain consistent communication with Case Managers, providing qualitative and quantitative feedback on Veteran engagement and participation levels.
• Facilitate a consistent schedule of Internal and Outward-Facing Events of diverse social gatherings, including coffee hours, discussion groups, and educational sessions, featuring guest speakers to enhance Veteran engagement.
• Maintain a regularly updated social activity calendar for distribution to Veterans.
• Support the development and implementation of Veteran-led volunteer projects, fostering leadership skills and peer-to-peer social bonds.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits Package for Full Time employees include:
• BCBS Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Employer Paid Short and Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
• $2500 Medical Opt-Out program if you have medical coverage through another source.
• Retirement Plan (403B) with a $2000 Match
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Paid Parental Leave

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level