Veterans' Program Peer Support Specialist

Health Affiliates Maine•Auburn, ME

About The Position

Health Affiliates Maine is excited to announce the expansion of our Veterans' Program Team! Health Affiliates Maine is currently seeking a dedicated and compassionate Peer Support Specialist to join our mission of supporting veterans on their journey to wellness and recovery. All applicants must have the ability to do community services in a 30-mile radius of Auburn. This position offers flexible work options. The ideal candidate will bring lived experience, empathy, and a strong desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of fellow veterans. As a Peer Support Specialist, you'll play a vital role in fostering connection, resilience, and hope through shared understanding and mutual support.

Requirements

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

Responsibilities

Using interpersonal skills and shared experience to facilitate opportunities for connecting with Fox eligible Veterans to engage individually or group at regular intervals (Goal is to encounter 30% of the Fox Veterans each quarter, maintaining more regular contact with 10%).
Assist Veterans in the Fox program in exploring other mutual support organizations, social support and community activities that might help their recovery.
Assist Veterans in combatting self-stigma and encourage sharing of recovery messages.
Promote empowerment and self-determination.
Run effective peer support groups/activities via telehealth and in person connections to support Veteran success in the Fox program.
Assist in selecting curriculum and/or activity structure for peer support activities.
Attend and participate in Fox team meetings, case review and other required meetings, collaborating when needed as part of the interdisciplinary team.
Maintain and complete accurate documentation according to agency policy and procedures, and in compliance with applicable laws, regulations and agreements.
Practice, mentor others and maintain fidelity to the Values of peer Support: Connection, Openness, Honoring Worldview and Mutual Responsibility.
Practice direct, respectful, honest communication, patience, and commitment to learning and growth.
Participate in internal agency training and external trainings as determined by the agency.
Maintain CIPSS certification and follow all applicable codes of ethics, including Maine CIPSS Code of Ethics.
Protect and maintain the confidentiality of client records and information following all HIPAA rules and applicable guidelines.
Ensure services are provided to clients in a manner consistent with trauma-informed practices.
Offer and complete Mental Health Advanced Directives when appropriate.
Work collaboratively with the Fox team to provide crisis support for clients and maintain a calm, non-defensive, supportive attitude during crisis or potential crisis situations.
Actively participate in all required supervision and training.
Seek supervision appropriately for client concerns, ethical dilemmas, and respond to feedback and directive given by supervisor(s) and Director(s).