Veterans' Program Peer Support Specialist

Health Affiliates Maine LLC•Auburn, ME

About The Position

Health Affiliates Maine is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Peer Support Specialist to join its Veterans' Program Team and support veterans on their journey to wellness and recovery. The role involves using lived experience to foster connection, resilience, and hope through shared understanding and mutual support. Community services must be provided within a 30-mile radius of Auburn. This is a part-time, hourly position offering 20 hours per week with flexible scheduling.

Requirements

Be a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces who has experienced a diagnosis of mental illness, is in recovery from that illness, and is willing to self-identify with other Veterans in the Fox program.
Hold the Maine CIPSS credential or be in training to receive it within 9 months.

Responsibilities

Use interpersonal skills and shared experience to connect individually or in groups with Fox-eligible Veterans at regular intervals, with a goal of encountering 30% of Fox Veterans each quarter and maintaining more regular contact with 10%.
Facilitate peer groups using peer-support curriculum and norms, providing a safe structure for participants.
Help Veterans in the Fox program explore mutual-support organizations, social support, and community activities that may aid recovery.
Help combat self-stigma and encourage the sharing of recovery messages.
Promote empowerment and self-determination.
Practice, mentor others in, and maintain fidelity to the values of peer support: connection, openness, honoring worldview, and mutual responsibility.
Communicate directly, respectfully, and honestly, and demonstrate patience and commitment to learning and growth.
Participate in internal agency training and external training as determined by the agency.
Maintain CIPSS certification and follow applicable codes of ethics, including the Maine CIPSS Code of Ethics.
Protect the confidentiality of client records and information in accordance with HIPAA rules and applicable guidelines.
Provide services consistent with trauma-informed practices.
Offer and complete Mental Health Advanced Directives when appropriate.
Collaborate with the Fox team to provide crisis support and maintain a calm, non-defensive, supportive attitude during crisis or potential crisis situations.
Attend and participate in Fox team meetings, case reviews, and other required meetings, collaborating as part of the interdisciplinary team when needed.
Maintain and complete accurate documentation in accordance with agency policy and procedures and applicable laws, regulations, and agreements.
Participate in required supervision and training.
Seek supervision appropriately regarding client concerns and ethical dilemmas, and respond to feedback and direction from supervisors and directors.