Peer Support Specialist

About the role

The DD Division is committed to helping people maintain their independence in the community—to live a life that isn’t defined by their ASD diagnosis. We meet individuals where they are at; in settings and spaces where they feel safe and comfortable. The ASD Clinical Services Team provides treatment for adults with an ASD diagnosis, working collaboratively with individuals to develop skills that allow them to live independently and successfully in the community. This program is funded by the Department of Developmental Services.

ASD Peer Support Specialists have personal experience living with ASD and use their own experiences to support others diagnosed with ASD in identifying and engaging with supports, resources, and communities that align with their vision for their life. This position requires additional training, support, and supervision specific to providing peer support services in alignment with a code of ethics.

Responsibilities

• Assist peers in using identified strengths and interests to develop, implement, and monitor interventions and personal goals.
• Assist peers in identifying individual strengths and interests.
• Conduct both 1:1 and group activities geared toward increasing people’s readiness to engage in their local community and/or beneficial services.
• Facilitate and encourage the development of valued community roles, including group memberships, employment, or volunteer experiences.
• Support the development and maintenance of key skills, including stress management, advocacy, decision making, and goal planning.

Requirements

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Valid Driver’s License, reliable transportation, and acceptable driving record.
• Personal living experience with ASD.

Candidates should demonstrate reliability, a willingness to learn, and openness to new opportunities.

Pay

$22.07/Hr. - $24.81/Hr.

About Us

At Open Sky Community Services, we open our doors, hearts, and minds to the belief that every individual, regardless of perceived limitations, deserves the chance to live a productive and fulfilling life. Open Sky is on an anti-racist journey, committed to learning, living, and breathing inclusion, opportunity, diversity, racial equity, and justice for all.

As a trauma-informed organization, Open Sky strives for transparency and sensitivity to the experiences of those we interact with. Self-care is encouraged, and we are committed to providing a positive work culture focused on continuous learning and the value of diverse perspectives. You’ll join over 1,300 compassionate and highly trained professionals who put innovative, evidence-based practices to work in ways that positively impact communities across Central Massachusetts and beyond.

Benefits

• Excellent supervision (individual and group), professional development, and training opportunities.
• Generous paid time off plan—starting with 29 days (almost 6 weeks) in your first year, including 12 paid holidays. Increases to 32 days in your second year, with a current maximum of 43 days (over 8 weeks).
• Tuition reimbursement for higher education and a variety of human services certifications.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with prescription plan.
• 403b Retirement Plan with employer match.
• Life Insurance (100% employer-paid).
• Eligibility for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program.