Peer Support Specialist

About the role

The Peer Support Specialist is responsible for coordinating educational and peer support programming for Boston Living Center members and delivering services to support ongoing engagement and retention in services. The position reports to the Milieu Engagement Manager.

Responsibilities

• Act in accordance with Victory Programs, Inc.’s Standards of Excellence & Philosophy
• Care always including maintaining professional ethics, boundaries, and client confidentiality
• Support clients in housing navigation and resources to barrier remediation
• Aid members in connecting to services through individual and group level support and referrals
• Facilitate verbal and written harm reduction counseling related to safer injection practice, wound care, overdose prevention, sexual health, vein and abscess care, and prevention of infectious disease transmission
• Provide syringe services, naloxone, and harm reduction supplies for individuals at risk for overdose or infectious disease transmission
• Recruit, plan, and facilitate groups and workshops on issues relevant to HIV/AIDS health, social support, and other relevant community issues
• Follow up with members through milieu support and follow-up phone calls and wellness checks
• Coordinate and complete outreach and recruitment activities for identified populations
• Engage in relationship building, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, Motivational Interviewing, and conflict de-escalation as needed in the milieu space
• Comply with agency protocols for data collection and record management
• Attend weekly supervision, monthly staff meetings, and professional development training and workshops
• Participate in agency program events, State House rallies, fundraising and advocacy events, and other functions

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Two years of experience working in harm reduction, community health, or human services
• Accepted HIV diagnosis and personal growth and healing to provide support to others
• Phlebotomy and specimen collection training/certification or willingness to be trained
• Working knowledge of HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis, homelessness, substance use, STIs, and sex work
• Excellent verbal communication skills including open and affirming conversations about sex and substance use risk
• Ability to work in an environment involving potentially hazardous materials and situations requiring safety precautions and protective equipment
• Prior experience in a milieu or drop-in environment serving homeless and/or people who use drugs
• Proficient computer skills
• CPR certified (obtainable upon hire)
• Completed TB screening (obtainable upon hire)
• Three work-related professional references; at least two from manager or supervisor

Qualifications

• Conversational Spanish
• Previous experience in nonviolent crisis intervention, de-escalation, and milieu management

Skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Knowledge of HIV/AIDS and related health issues
• Ability to work in a supportive and therapeutic environment
• Experience with harm reduction practices
• Effective organizational and time management skills

Benefits

• 75% health and 25% dental employer premium contribution
• 100% employer-paid disability and life insurance
• Generous paid time off package including vacation, sick, personal time, and holidays

Pay

$26.00/hr

Schedule

Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 3:30pm. On-site.